Deo. Optimo. Maximo.

If you're looking for nothing but fine artisanal cuisine in Iloilo City, then this might be your next stop.

From among the many restaurants in the city, Deo. Optimo. Maximo. attracted me most since when talking about 'Change', they embrace it. What I mean by that 'change' is the way they organize every meal into a gastronomical gourmet. They don't particularly stick to the basics and one certain menu--they change the whole game. Aside from being seasonal, which means their menu varies highly from the abundant harvest of certain crops and seasonal produce, they are valuing the concept of putting art in every dish. The only constant in their menu, to be honest, is change. --And that's why it was love-at-first-visit.

Come to think of it, most restaurants just offer you the same menu for years. Yes, you may have your go-to meal and all, but sometimes, you tend to get bored, looking for what's new in their menu (sometimes, looking forward to what's new) but end up with the same dish, on a different day.

Of course, there's no problem with that, some people can even eat the same dish every day in a year. But what I'm pointing out here is that, if you want to turn your every meal into an experience, then you might want to try this restau out.

Respect for food- that's what they live for. And that's exactly what matters. You're not only paying for the food, the service, the place, you're also paying respect to the bounty of nature. Sure, that's not monetary, but that's priceless even.

FOOD TALK.

Complementary bread with Eggplant dip

Talking about the highlight of the restau-food. We had our complementary bread with eggplant dip. It was good. At first, it'll taste like a little exotic (probably just my tongue not being used to this dip), but after a few more bites, they'll just go well together. And you won't even taste the eggplant overpowering the whole thing.

Sisig Balls: 
(Pork Cheek, Market Greens, Sriracha, Cocoa Aoli, Nori, Sesame, Katsuobushi)

And for a fresher take, their sisig specialty was not served in a usual sizzling plate, instead it was on just a different plate, rolled into balls and served with market vegetables. It was topped with Katsuobushi, a (Japanese) dried skipjack tuna. It was a refreshing look for the usual sisig plate and it tastes fine too. It was too big for two people though. :)

Holiday Chicken: Roast Chicken, Bacon & Sourdough Stuffing, Mangosteen Jelly and Gravy

Visiting this place, especially this month, you shouldn't miss out on ordering this dish because it's one of their specialties for the holidays. And with that point aside, it tastes really good you won't mind you're just devouring chicken all along. As they'd say, it melts in your mouth making this one my favorite from among the dishes I tried.

Flat Iron Skewer

Since we can't have enough of their dishes, we ordered extra skewers off the grill. We tried out the Flat Iron Skewer. We were then asked to choose from various sauces which were also their specialty blend. 

That's our table.
Had thoughts of having too many wonderful dishes to try; yet so little time and tummies. (lol!)

We also tried their Dalandan Tsokolate juice, the Cucumber-ade juice, and a scoop of their homemade frozen yogurt for dessert. Their juices didn't disappoint. While it tasted like chocolate energy drink with a citrus aftertaste, I was amazed how they came up with the Dalandan Tsokolate idea after all. The cucumber drink was really refreshing. And for their fro-yo, it was a little bit powdery, I don't know how it became such with its texture but the taste was also winning. 

Homemade Frozen Yogurt scoop with caramel syrup

Below are the snaps that I managed to save from my snapchat. :)

True to their concept, I can attest to their idea of thinking globally about their food but staying rooted in the local. I am 100% sure that I'm visiting this place again. In fact, I'm already looking forward to the next set of dishes. (though I'm also hoping they'd retain the Holiday chicken or have banh mi's again). ;)

For the love of food, I highly suggest you visit them out. Find helpful deets below and feel free to leave a comment if you have anything you want to share. 

XOXOX,

Faye

• Deo.Optimo.Maximo., also known as "D.O.M." is located at Westland Gateway Complex, Donato Pison Ave., Brgy San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
• Contact Number: 09173196699 
• Opening Hours: Monday 12NN-3PM //5:30PM-10PM
•                           Wednesday-Sunday 12NN-3PM //5:30 PM-10PM
• Cash Only (Payment Method)
• Accepts Walk-Ins, Reservations, Take out, Catering and Waiter Service

Beach Weekend: Four Hours in Guimaras

    

ALOBIJOD COVE, Guimaras Island

  A day at the beach is never a wasted one.

 From Ilo-Ilo City, we decided to have a quick day-trip to the island and head back by night. Guess we just needed a dose of the beach.

Going back to Guimaras Island was one of the most random trips I've been to lately. I never thought I could re-visit the place this year as I thought there was nothing much to explore. But I took the trip with another note on my mind and a positive take on giving it another shot.

As soon as we arrived at the port of Guimaras, we were escorted to their local tourism office to be assisted with our whatabouts for our day trip. We paid 500php to rent a tricycle + a driver who would tour us around the city and the beach spot of our choice. It was Alobijod Beach Cove that we chose as it was one of the most visited resorts according to the driver.

2PM
It took us around 30 minutes to reach the resort from the main port. In between the long tricycle ride, we had stopovers at the Trappist Abby Monastery, a couple of vast mango tree plantations, their market and their plaza- the smallest in the country.

 2:30PM

We arrived at the resort very famished since we headed straight to the Guimaras terminal from our Bacolod-Iloilo trip. Food was really our priority. :) 

Alobijod Cove Resort had a mini-restaurant beside their lodging area. The place was cozy, almost home-y. It literally looked like a house turned into a giant dining area with a food counter.

 Their food was really delicious! In fact, it was really delicious that I didn't even bother waiting 15 minutes for it --and I'm not even saying it was delicious just because I was hungry. (Okay, I think you get it already--I'm giving it a 9/10) 

3PM

After our very satisfying meal, we headed to the shore to soak it all in. We took little walks along the coast since it was still too hot to plunge in and we were still so full. Good thing I brought a book that got me busy.

 

  

 3:30PM

 After series of picture-taking, we were already swimming (not even minding the time and the heat of the sun). The water was too tempting to wait a few more minutes.

We also had a little fun exploring the caves near the resort. Although, we didn't have much time to go island-hopping and we came late for the day's trip. But that might be a good reason to go back anyway, right? ;)

 

 5PM

It took us only a few more minutes to get dressed and decided we stop-over real quick at the Trappist Abby Monastery and take few more snaps at the mango plantation before heading back to the city. 

It wasn't mango season during our visit so we didn't see a lot of mango trees having a bounty.

5:45PM

We took the last trip of the ferry boats going back to Ilo-Ilo City. That was just almost four hours but trust me, it was already long enough. Sure for a day-trip, that could not suffice, but to be honest, it was already enough. Unless you're the type who'd soak for hours and explore more of the caves, islands and the like. But that was a much better alternative than going to the mall in the city for your usual weekend afternoon. 

 

The ferry boat ride will take you to the port of Ilo-Ilo in 15 minutes depending on the sea condition. A fare of 16php per ride is apparently wallet-friendly-you could go to the island every other day. haha!

There you have it- my travel diary in Guimaras. So, if you've got a day to spare from your Ilo-Ilo trip (or even Bacolod trip), you can always go to the island and have your instant beach-fix. 

xoxox,

Faye

Finding Comfort (Food) at Bistro Carcosa

BISTRO CARCOSA

Finding new cafes in Iloilo City has been a craze lately. The search for the best has always been a constant battle. The list of new places to dine keeps on getting longer and longer.

And on my latest quest, I’ve finally had the chance to dine in Bistro Carcosa. I’ve always wanted to try it out there but to no avail since I’d always have a busy schedule in going to the city or my shopping time gets a little longer. lol!

But as a self-proclaimed foodie, I never missed my chance on trying out this café when my schedule finally cleared up.

The place was cozy- a little minimalist with a rustic feel. My kind of café.

As soon as we got there (convinced my mom to go with me), the place was already inviting. Although you can’t easily spot it along the highways or streets as it’s found in the corner area of the Uptown Place. Still, being an eager beaver, we headed in.

When we had our lunch, at the most unlikely hour, there were a few people who were also dining. And I thought this place must really be good that even after past the regular lunch time, it was still packed with diners.

For the food:

It's price-worthy and the taste was uniquely good. It’s a comfort food with a classy look. Absolutely gastronomical. (Or at least in my case and based on the dish that I tried)

Big Boy Ribs x Garlic Mashed potato

Truly coming back to try more of their dishes and as such, I highly recommend this bistro. 

xx

Faye

Bistro Carcosa is located at the Uptown Place, in front of Sarabia Manor Hotel.

Open from 11AM-11:45PM ( Monday- Sunday)

SUMMER STATE OF MIND: A day at Urban Sands

 

 On my latest and short trip to the City of Love, I've managed to incorporate a quick dip at the Urban Sands. I've always wanted to visit this relatively mini resort as it's just a couple of minutes away from where I live. Gotta love the idea that it's a quick summer getaway without even leaving the city. 

Pool Day Essentials

Soaking it all in

 

 Although it's a small place, you can actually enjoy a whole lot of privacy. They have rooms where you can check-in; a cafe where you can just have snacks on random days; or you can just walk-in like us and have a little cottage/hut enough to lounge around and a table where you can put your things.

Guess this little paradise is perfect for days when you just want to relax but you don't have the luxury of traveling to really far destinations. It's fun for a summer-starter if you ask me. :)

Heading to Urban Sands anytime soon? Here's a list of pointers.

• Urban Sands is located at San Pedro St, Molo, Iloilo City
• Swimming Fees:  (Day Rate) Adult: 250Php; Children: 200Php /// (Night Rate) +50Php to day rate
• Swimming is free for Registered hotel guests and two of their children only.
• They have a barbeque grill available at the pool area upon request.
• BUT- outside food and drinks are not allowed. Corkage fees apply.

Hope it'll help you through and don't forget to enjoy your mini-vacay! ;)

xoxox

Faye

DINAGYANG DIARY 2015

Ilo-Ilo City// Dinagyang//  January 2015

With resolutions aside, I'm all set to make the most of this year and bring about all the fun memories and capture moments. Now, starting the year right, (and capping off the month), here's a full scoop of my Dinagyang experience this year.

Ilo-ilo City, Provincial Capitol

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          Starting the festive hype during the Kasadyahan, we found ourselves immersed to the stepped-up game of the different dancers and cities who joined in the competition. This year, I can really say that almost all of the participating groups really prepared well and are one step higher with their fighting spirits.

KASADYAHAN. Masskara Festival Dancers from Bacolod City

            Betting highly on the Tatusan tribe and the Pintaflores group, you can't deny that the Masskara team also made extra effort this year! (Good job, 6100!)

PINTAFLORES Group.

 Neon-wise, the Pintaflores show this year was quite similar to their prod last year making it somehow a steady and lovely entertainment. (Although I really wished they had new stunts this year.)

 

TRIBU TATUSAN of CALUYA, ANTIQUE

(Video of Simply Iloilo via Youtube)

            And that's Tribu Tatusan, nailing it this year at the Kasadyahan Dance Competition.  What I loved about their performance this year was their concept. Not being the typical dance show you see, they had their story incorporated with a lot of fun.

Totally digging the crab-men dancing in the middle part, wearing blue crab costumes, climbing coconut trees! They were then cooked in a huge pot, until they were "cooked" and changed to orange costumes! Well played, Tribu Tatusan. ;)

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FIRST PHILIPPINE FESTIVAL COSTUME EXPO

            It was also a great privilege for me to witness the First Philippine Festival Costume Expo at the Provincial Capitol. The expo showcased costumes worn in various Filipino festivals.  It was such an honor to see the amazing talent of the Filipino people  who took pride in making such wonderful attires.

That's me (at the right) and Den posing in front of the Panayanon Costume Display. 

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DINAGYANG INVASION 2015, Plazuela Dos

          Capping the night off partying at the Spectrum's Dinagyang 2015 Invasion. Although the place was quite packed with teens, teens and more teens, it was a fun night to kick off the festive vibes. Not much rave but it was all good. ;)

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Breezing through the major day (highlight),  I enjoyed all the Dinagyang Warrior's Dance as all tribes made it extra pumped up this year.

TRIBU PANAYANON. Winner of this year's Ati-Ati Competition.

Rain or shine, dancers didn't stop on this note. That's why, with all due respect and honor, I'd definitely have hands down to this amazing festival. 

Watching the event at the Capitol Stage 2, I didn't have the best view (obviously), But hey, it's better to see them perform live than on TV! (or at the streets, not even seeing the whole performance). Not complaining though. ;)

Looking forward to next year's bash. This year was quite extensive and a lot more hyped up than last year, but I guess it was the weather who b*tched around making it a little less impeccable.

Alright, there you go- another page (or two) of my Dinagyang files. Hala Bira!:)



Did you make it to the Dinagyang Festival this year?
How was it? Let me know! ;)



Til then,

Fayemos

DINAGYANG DIARY Page 4

DINAGYANG HIGHLIGHTS.

                As an annual tradition, the Dinagyang Festival ends on a Sunday with the Ati-Ati Dance Competition. It's a must-watch show as it showcases the different tribes from all over the island and presents an eye-popping array of cultural dances. 

                Way back in the earlier years, tribes and dancers would always be in their best replica of an "ATI". An Ati is an early settler on the Panay Island and considered to be the "natives". In honor of Sto. Nino, they would have dance rituals as a form of praise. 

                Here's a glimpse on the first few tribes who performed.

 Years back, costumes and props were the least of the main highlights of the ati-ati event. All that was on the spotlight were the dance, dancers, and the drums. However these years, It has been a trend to have sponsors for every tribe and have their costumes on a competitive feel. The sponsors are usually presented before their main dance wherein the dancers are coming from the stage(dance floor) as their entrance.

Here's an example of the huge catchy props from one of the tribes. - A deer.

                Dancers are usually practicing for months just for their performance. They are also trained to be fit and physically energetic as they have to dance the same tribal dance for 3 places in one day. From the Freedom Grand where they'd usually begin, they won't actually stop dancing as they will have to move to another stage which is at the Capitol. Then they have to move to another location. As what I've seen on television, they'd move to Sports Complex as well. Just imagine how tiring could that be especially knowing that it has always been a hot day ever since!

Another eye-catching jumbo props. Human acting as supernatural creatures are really coming out of its mouth and its eyes are blinking too!

                     As you can see, the dancers are wearing sandals. Years back, they had to dance barefoot! No wonder this festival is a must-see for all. I can't think of another festival as grand as this yet. (Well, in the Philippines). ;)

Human bats!

                   

             After every performance, dancers or the so-called "ati's" are kind of required to mingle around as to earn more points in the competition. The photo above involves us with one of the dancers from the winning tribe.

And this is about my outfit of the day. haha

So there you have it. I hope you are somehow enlightened about how gorgeous this festival is through a select photos I had. (I don't want to post all the 255 photos I took though. haha). Basically, this festival is one you really shouldn't miss. Aside from being one of the top in the country, it is really one of the most creative and sought-after event in Visayas.


See you next year? :)



Much love,
Fayemos