Tokyo Tokyo in Davao

There are lots of food chain on my wishlist to open in Davao city and among that list is Tokyo,Tokyo. When I was working in Manila, this is one of my favorite Japanese fast food chain. I fell in love with their Pork Tonkatsu and Red Iced Tea. Tokyo Tokyo gives the consumers quality foods in huge servings at a very affordable price. The last time I got to eat at Tokyo Tokyo was at MOA last 2009 so I was really thrilled to learn that they are  finally opening in Davao at SM Lanang Premier. I was even more thrilled to learn that their Davao branch is their first store expansion outside of Luzon! When I learned that they are inviting bloggers and media for their soft opening I didn't hesitated to sign up. So last September 27, one day before Tokyo Tokyo and SM Lanang Premier grand opening we were there and got the chance to talk with the staff and a sampling of their offerings. 

Their Marketing Manager, Joan Pamplona warmly welcomed us and stated that "As we officially open the doors of Tokyo Tokyo in the heart of Davao, we hope to open a whole new dining experience for all Davaoeños - one of quality, affordable and delicious Japanese cuisine. We're very happy to be opening not only the first branch to be built outside of Luzon, but also the beginning of our long-awaited expansion plans in the VisMin Region"

We were then treated to a Maki-making demo. I can briefly recall my maki disaster with Michael so I watched and learned from the expert.

They also give out raffle prizes to which we didn't win any, no luck again.

Finally we were treated to Tokyo Tokyo's most craved Sumo and Bento Meals.

We were also very very lucky to be treated to their Pearl Milk Tea after the sumptuous meal.  Aside from their Rice meals, they also served snack offerings such as Japanese burgers like Shogun and Shitake Mushroom best paired with Nori Wasabi French Fries and Pearl Milk Teas.

It was such a treat to be part of the opening of the country's #1 Japanese food chain and a perfect way to end the end the evening was of course a group shot...

 and my pose with a geisha ;)

A Date with Go Nuts Donuts

Mike and I were lucky to be invited to the Go Nuts Donuts talk last August 2 at Go Nuts Abreeza branch. It was an opportunity to know  more about the company and the insanely delicious donuts. We actually had an opportunity before during the Abreeza Food Tour to get to know about the story behind this Proudly Pinoy company. 

I am glad to learn that since their debut in Davao last June 2011 so much have happened. 

1.They have launched new product lines such as the Pizza Donut which is now our favorite.  Sold at P36 each these pizza donuts comes in 4 variants, clockwise from top, Garlic and Cheese, Pepperoni, Barbeque and Hawaiian (not in pic)

 They also have been producing the Durian Donut and will be launching more new products which are the Grab and Go and Pocket Pies. 

• Grab and Go are snacks wrapped in simple but individual packs which are perfect for baon. This will include Donut Cakes, Moist Cakes,Cookie Bites and Fudgy Loops. 
• Pocket Pies are flavorful meat fillings stuffed on a glazed(flaky) puff pastry cut.

2. They have opened another branch at lower gorund level of Gaisano Mall and have more plans of opening more. The Dabawenyos are very receptive of the donuts. Well who wouldn't? These donuts are extremely addictive!

The Gonuts Talk was a fun night of getting to know not just the donuts but the people behind them. We also had very fun games and raffles (sponsored by Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Ayala Malls,Bioessence Serenity Spa, and TOMS Philippines.) to which I sadly didn't win anything. It was also a chance to bond with fellow bloggers and unleash the camwhores in us as they have photobooth by Markdotdate!

Thank you so much Go Nuts for this fun filled night! 

DFAT 2012

What have I been up to for the past few days? Well, I was part of the Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2012 (DFAT) which started last Friday (May 4) and ended yesterday (May 7). DFAT as the name suggests is about bloggers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao gathering to visit places around the Davao Region and trying our the best dish each cafe or restaurant has to offer. We went to Kapatagan, Davao Del sur and Island hopping in Samal. I really enjoyed the 4 day food tripping though I missed out on some restaurants. Mike was also able to join the last 2 days of the tour and we worked up a tight schedule with our parents for watching over Kulay. The food we ate was really overwhelming and I felt really gluttonous! Eating even when I'm still full! I really enjoyed the tour not just because of the food but because I was able to bond with really cool and fun bloggers who are really inspiring esp. those travel bloggers. 

Mike and I will be posting the details of the tour on The Kulay Project blog.

Group Picture infront of Piyesta KTV and Resto Bar. Photo courtesy of Anj Nacorda

Agdao Public Market

Take a wild guess where was the venue for my first dinner date with Michael. It wasn't a romantic candlelit dinner at a posh restaurant. It was not even a simple meal at a fast food chain. It was at Agdao Public Market! Oh the post title was a dead giveaway! But nonetheless it wasn't a typical place for a date. It was not the kind of place where you bring someone you want to impress. So why this place? Because I've been telling Mike how much of a cowgirl (not picky/choosy)I am and that I can dine anywhere so he took me there to test me. There are a lot of eateries there that are known for their Bulalo in the Eatery Section. We ordered Bulalo (P50), Rice(P8) and Softdrinks (P16). One can also order      pork/chicken barbecue, grilled fish and etc. It was my first time to dine there though I've tried their food before(take out). Their food is surprisingly satisfactory. One might doubt the sanitation but from what I've seen the food is prepared well, served hot and the utensils are clean. The ambiance does not encourage lingering though because it is open and just along the street. It is still a place that I will consider to dine if I have a budget of P100 not only because the place has sentimental value but the food can fill a hungry stomach and can pass a Davaoeños  discriminating taste. 

Abreeza Food Tour: Bo's Coffee

How we wish the Abreeza Ayala Mall Food Tour would go and on but sadly it has come to an end. We can't help but smile though when we came to the last part of our tour,  the new Bo's Coffee branch at 2nd Level Abreeza Mall. Bo's Coffee has been in Davao for a few years now and has established a name as one of the   coffee lover's favorite hangout. I ordered the Numi Green Tea. The perfect drink to end our food adventure. We were also offered the following bestsellers Durian Sansrival, Choco Moist Cake and cold concoctions.

Abreeza Food Tour:The White Hat

I was quite happy to learn that The White Hat was on the list of our Abreeza Ayala Mall Food Tour because this is my favorite yougurt place in the entire Davao City. I love the taste of their yogurt, not sour and not too sweet. We were served the Choco-Loco Hat, plain Italian yogurt topped with Brownies, Oreo and Dark Choco Drops. Their yogurts are served on paper cups and wooden spoon, so eco-friendly!

Abreeza Food Tour::Ranchero

Our lunch was at Ranchero, a Specialty Restaurant, during the Abreeza Ayala Mall Food Tour. We were still full when we got there but when we saw the food prepared for us, the food in our stomach seems to vanish in an instant. They served us with the bestseller that they are most known for, their baby back ribs which was tender and succulent.

Baby Back Ribs

Pia Mallows

Guys, I have found the perfect souvenir for tourist and Davaoenoes alike for Kadayawan! Presenting,  Belgian Chocolate filled with creamy Durian filling by Kai Chocolatier, a Pia Mallows Company. Take a bite and a piece of Davao with you with this handmade gourmet chocolate.  I had a chance to try this product last Saturday and it is not just good to eat but also to look at because each piece is artfully designed. Each piece of this mouth watering creation cost P40 and is sold separately or at P160 for a box of four.This product will be available starting this month.

Abreeza Food Tour:Teriyaki Boy

Entree at Teriyaki boy was the next item on our list during our Abreeza Ayala Mall Food Tour. The minute we entered the place and sat down they began serving us food that we were caught unaware. We just stared and drooled at the sumptuous dishes laid before us one by one. We managed to wake up from our stupor and listened to Ma'am Sheng,one of the Managers, as she told us about the dishes and the company. Teriyaki Boy is a Filipino Owned company which belongs to the Pancake House Group. They offer a casual dining japanese experience at an affordable price while maintanining high quality dishes one can find at high end Japanese restaurants. They opened last May 12, 2011 at the 2nd floor Abreeza Ayala Mall here in Davao.

The first dish they served was the Kani Salad. It was love at first bite! The Kani Salad is a combination of crabs sticks, cucumber and Japanese mayo.

Abreeza Food Tour: Go Nuts Donuts

The first stop for our Abreeza Ayala Food Tour was snacks at Go Nuts Donuts located at the park entrance. We were supposed to meet at 10:30Am but we arrived late, sorry guys. When we got there we started off immediately with the interview with Sir Erwin, their Operations Manager. He gave as pamphlets and introduced us to their bestselling donuts, Amazing Glaze, Rocky Road, Pastillas de Leche, Boston Bavarian and Choco Frost. My personal favorite was the Pastillas de Leche but I chose the Choco Frost because it was calling my name! The white chocolate bar topping was teasing me. Mike tried the Bavarian Boston not because it also called his name but because it was the only donut left haha!

House Blended Ice Tea

Choco Frost and Bavarian Boston

Note taking :D

Abreeza Ayala Mall Food Tour

If I could have one word to describe last Saturday it would be Pure Gastronomic Delight! Okay that's three words but you couldn't fit it all in one word anyway because it was just simply awesome!  Mike and I were lucky enough to be part of the Abreeza Ayala Mall Food Tour with the Davao Bloggers courtesy of Abreeza Mall who contacted Ria. Ria was the one who enlisted the Davao Bloggers. There were 20 bloggers who were divided into 4 groups. Mike and I were on the Green Team together with Grace, Jin and Mark.

Green Team Jumpshot minus Michael who's the designated photographer