Once upon a time, there was a humble hang out place called Sev's Cafe.
 
Tucked in a basement of Legaspi Tower without a visible facade. 

Yet, those who know this place finds comforts in this little haven.

Sev's is a wonderful haven that allows you to write, think, play, read or do whatever you feel.  No wonder groups were formed and gathered here at Sev's. 

This place of culture and art has drawn all sorts of crowd.  


Special menu changes from day to day.

But, everything on it is consistently local and healthy.




Thus, every visit at Sev's Cafe is a fruitful nourishment of the mind and body. 

Farewell Sev's Cafe... a place that offered a home, a stage and a spotlight to everyone.  How unfortunate that a place of beginnings has to come to an end.

My first visit at Marco Polo Hotel is memorable for two reasons: (1) our dinner at Polo Bistro Pool Lounge was fantastic (2) we got to meet and take a selfie with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.  Since I'm not spilling the beans on the latter, let's proceed with the dinner shall we?

Upon reaching the deck level, I was mesmerized with the place.  Naturally, I couldn't resist the temptation of taking a photo which made my Davao blogger friends wonder on what's taking me so long. 



The Polo Bistro Pool Lounge is the pool house of my dreams.  I am absolutely in love with the minimalist interiors. 

Table set up is exquisite right?

Through the glass windows, you can see a perfect view of the pool.

Food

Complimentary Bread

The Complimentary Bread is served warm.  My friend Ria gushes as this was served exclaiming that this is her favorite.  I tried it out to see why and she's right it is delicious!


Salad

US Potato Crisscut and Shrimp Cake

The US Potato Crisscut and Shrimp Cake hinted us on the fantastic dinner we are about to have.  The  pomelo and Sing Kamas Salad with Asian chili dressing is a great compliment that I just had to eat everything together.

Soup

US Mashed Potato Soup infused with Turmeric

I've never seen soup served like US Mashed Potato Soup infused with Turmeric.  I imagine there's a submarine in the middle of the ocean.  But, it is actually slow baked salmon, grapefruit and cilantro cream on top of a potato tot.  Aside from the intriguing appearance, the soup is splendid!  One of the best potato soup I've had yet!

Main Course

Honey Caramelized Pork Spareribs

The Honey Caramelized Pork Spareribs won over everyone.  The ribs so tasty and tender.

Dessert

US Potato Strawberry Cheese Cake

Last but definitely not the least was the US Potato Strawberry Cheese Cake.  I think it was the really catchy crumbly texture of this dessert that made it a great meal-ender.  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The menu conjured by executive sous chef Alex Destriza for Polo Bistro Pool Lounge has proved that every dish component is essential in the success of the dish.  The way he utilized the textures and flavors of the ingredients especially the US Potato is really remarkable.  It really inspired me to be more creative with my home-cooking. 

Since we're from Manila, Banawe seemed like a distant dining area for the family.  Thus, I was surprised when mom was insisted that we go all the way to Healthy Day because she saw it on TV.

It's quite convenient that they have their own parking space and their guard is very accommodating.

I really liked their coffee latte art table. 

But, what intrigued the family is their mini green house.

The chiller also displayed tempting desserts.

We proceeded to the dining area at the back. 

Food

Complimentary Bread Basket

 While waiting, we were served a warm Complimentary Bread Basket.
 
Starters

Cucumber Bruschetta (180 php)

The family liked the Cucumber Bruschetta.  It's a sliced cucumber with a tomato and olive.  For me it was ordinary.

Soup

♥ Wild Mushroom Soup (140 php)

Because we are huge mushroom fans, we ordered the Wild Mushroom Soup and this brought smile to our faces.

Pumpkin Soup (140 php)

The Pumpkin Soup is delightfully warm, creamy and sweet.


Chicken/Turkey

Chicken Salpicao w/ Garlic Brown Rice (360 php)

We were very disappointed with the Chicken Salpicao w/ Garlic Brown Rice.  It was very salty.  We even asked the server if the blend is right and they checked and assured us that it was rightfully so.  We didn't finish this dish...

♥ Dill Crusted Salmon with Carrot Potato Mash (560 php)

The Dill Crusted Salmon with Carrot Potato Mash is simple but well-executed.  I just felt that it was expensive for a single portion.

Pasta

♥ Spinach Pumpkin Carbonara with Salmon (220 php)

The Spinach Pumpkin Carbonara with Salmon is probably the best dish among our orders. 

Desserts

Chocolate Tofu Mousse (100 php)

Our server promised to us that every customer loved the Chocolate Tofu Mousse and so we will too.  Well, it was just okay for us.  The chocolate mousses was too sweet. 


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I really liked the concept of Heatlhy Day.  But, the price is too steep for their not-so-outstanding dishes.  It gives of an impression that healthy dishes are expensive which shouldn't be so.

Because I loved Yoree, I decided to bring the family to it's little sister O'Rice.

 
The vibe is bright, lively and colorful.  

Food

Rice

♥ Seafood Fried Rice (248 php)

♥ Kimchi Fried Rice (198 php)

♥ Beef Bulgogi with Mushroom Broth (298 php)

Other Favorites

♥ Topoki (248 php)

Designer Kimbap

♥ Shrimp Kimbap (298 php)

Drink

Lemon Soda (85 php), Pineapple Soda (85 php) and ♥ Mango Soda (85 php)

♥ Ripe Mango Shake (125 php)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We were surprised with the generous portions here at O'Rice. Everything is hearty and good too!  We've tried many Korean restaurant but none of it is as fun and comforting as this concept.