Davao FAT: Day 1
Upon arrival yesterday, we checked in to our hotel and I was not at all disappointed. Before leaving for Davao I had prepped myself for possible scenarios that might stem from ignorance of this sorely misunderstood city. In Manila, I was told by a lot of people not to go because of the “situation” in Mindanao. Being in Davao now and talking to some locals, I wonder what “situation” it was that they were talking about. Was it the cheap bargains, the warm and friendly people, the overly accommodating restaurants or maybe the wonderful sights and surprises that await the newcomer? I’ve been here twice before and sadly I couldn’t appreciate the beauty of Davao City because I was mostly here for work purposes. Holidays have no place in my work schedule because after the very last meeting, I had to catch the plane. Ergo, I decided I was going to have my vengeance. True enough, the Marco Polo Hotel was their first line of defense.
Noreen told me to stop talking about Marco Polo now. She will show you the place and talk about it in her blog. So we all have to wait for it.
Our first stop was the ever-famous Lachi’s restaurant. Some of the bloggers who arrived earlier already had lunch at Tadakuma, but because our flight arrived 1.30 pm, we just joined them for dinner at this favorite of favorites.
This is the sansrival that made Lachi’s famous. Aptly named Lachi’s Classic Sansrival, this dessert is not for the calorie conscious, or gout-stricken (like me). Sandwiched between multiple layers of meringue are generous helpings of butter filling all topped with cashew nuts and more cashew nuts.
Looking at the menu of Lachi’s like going on a time warp, when Manila restaurants had the same prices. Most of the good stuff are priced below P100 pesos (US$2.08). A paradise for foodies like me!
They are the twins who started it all. I tend to compare them with Conti’s, which was also started by two sisters who started a small bakeshop business and later grew the place into a chain. Lachi’s success is forthcoming. I believe they have the ability to grow as big, if not bigger than most Manila-based food businesses. Bigby’s of Cagayan de Oro did it. Lachi’s is no exception.
I loved the ribs! Believe it or not, this order is only P108.00 (US$2.25). They call it the Unforgettable Grilled Pork Ribs. For the taste AT THIS PRICE, how can anyone forget?
Tofu in Teriyaki Sauce is wonderful. Crunchy on the outside, soft and delicious on the inside. After this dish I have a new found respect for tofu.
This I forgot the name, my apologies. If the owners of Lachi’s are reading this, please do try to fill in this blank by writing in the comments section. Will really appreciate it. I love this one dessert best of all.
Finally, the signature cheesecake that reminds you that you are in Davao, the Durian Cheesecake. They also have the Durian and Mocha Cheesecake. Durian, for me, is an acquired taste and that it is difficult to appreciate it without being closely acquainted with its signature aroma. In other words, you gotta learn how to love it, for it to love you back.
More of Davao FAT in the next post!
March 14, 2009
В· 
Arpee В· 
11 Comments
Tags: cheesecake, davao cheesecakes, davao city, davao fat, davao food appreciation tour, davao food tour, durian cake, durian cheesecake, durian in cakes, food tour in davao, food tour in mindanao, grilled pork ribs, lachi's durian cheesecake, lachi's restaurant, lachi's ribs, lachi's sansrival, marco polo davao, mindanao food tour, pork ribs, unforgettable grilled pork ribs В· Posted in: food tours, restaurants
11 Responses
grabe..ang kapal nung sansrival
sarap!
I want to cry din Arpee! Thanks for sharing and I can’t wait to read Noreen’s post about Marco Polo. If I have some extra funds I’d go to the next Davao FAT. I miss the delicious and super affordable food back there
Don’t forget to taste the dragon fruit shake like I told you ^^
*drooling* grabe ung sans rival, nakakatakam talaga.
thank you for the great comments, arpee. people like you inspire us to serve better and create more. we (i’m the twins’ sister) are happy you enjoyed our food. that purple dessert is ube panna cotta. that’s not among the regular in-house offerings, but we offer that as part of our dessert catering menu.
How far is Lachi’s from Marco Polo? And more generally, how do you get around Davao? Are the taxi drivers nicer?
grabe, ang sarap naman nyan… wow as in wow. and I miss Davao… and Marco Polo… Aldevinco and the people there. Sana maka-join ako next time
Gosh… I actually haven’t been to Lachi’s kahit na taga-Davao ako!
Will definitely visit the place pag-uuwi ako!
Most of the taxi drivers are super nice. And they always give the exact change.
You don’t go out of Davao without going to Lachi’s!
Its like a tourist attraction na of Davao. Sobrang sarap ng food for less the price.
If you want to visit davao, just buzz any davao blogger and we’ll be happy to give you directions or make an itenerary for you.
Koya arpee.. see you sa August dito sa Davao!
Great review Arpee! (now where’s mine lol) I loved the creme brulee that were served on spoons and the Pinoy na Pinoy pasta. Wow. Lachi’s never fails to amaze me.
nagutom ako sa sansrival. looks yummy!
im excited to see ms noreen’s review and pics of marco polo. i want to go to davao too!
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