Flavors of Davao: Dining with the Locals at Belito's Vineyard

Comforting local cuisine and Spanish dishes from family recipes served in a secret garden-like setting, it's one of Davao's many surprises...

Frequented by locals, Belito's Vineyard should be on your list of must-try dining destinations when you visit Davao City. Like they say, dine where the locals go for a true taste of homegrown flavors and that homey vibe, and you'll find all that at Belito's Vineyard.

The launch of AirAsia's new In-Flight Catalog and Santan In-Flight Hot Meal by Chef JP Anglo with Malagos Chocolate brought us to the majestic King City of the South for an amazing three days of chasing wonders (for more on AirAsia's launch of the new In-Flight Catalog and Santan In-Flight Hot Meal created by Chef JP Anglo with Malagos Chocolate, see my previous post, #AirAsiainDavao: Experience Davao's Sights and Flavors with AirAsia and on my other travel blog at #AirAsiainDavao: AirAsia Introduces Unique Malagos Chocolate-Infused Meal to Santan In-Flight Menu Selection). With regular direct flights from Manila and Clark, Davao is just a mere click away with AirAsia's easy on-line ticketing reservations. After arriving from an early morning flight from Clark and settling down in Malagos Garden Resort, lunch was the first order of business and Belito's Vineyard was highly recommended.

Named after the owner's grandfather, Belito's Vineyard exudes a warm and casual feel with its wooden furniture and tile flooring surrounded by verdant greens from the lush sprawling garden. Belito's Vineyard is actually part of the family's garden in their home, remaining cool even with the onset of summer.  

Start with the mildly sweet, tart and sour Ensalada with mangoes and red onions to open up your palate...

...followed by the sharp, clean and fresh notes of Kinilaw with succulent fish marinated in vinegar, red onions and chili. The flavors are simple and uncomplicated, with the distinct notes of the freshest ingredients delivering all the bold flavors. 

The Calamari Aljillo features fork-tender squid lining your palate with its briny sweetness. And once you start, you just can't stop. Perfect with an ice-cold beer.

The homestyle Paella Negra (P 400) is a popular bestseller among locals, and one spoonful of the soft and fluffy rice coated with the thick and flavorful squid-ink is all you need to understand why Belito's Vineyard is a hometown favorite.

Ask the servers for their fresh fish of the day, and have it steamed. Belito's Vineyard's Steamed Fish is another favorite, topped with crunchy garlic and spring onions draped in a light soy sauce.

And if you're craving for beef, the fork-tender Beef Kaldereta should satisfy any hearty appetite. The savory richness of the tender beef just bursts in your mouth followed by the equally rich and flavorful sauce. It's rustic homestyle cooking that warms both the palate and body with its slow-cooked goodness.  

Cap your meal at Belito's Vineyard with their Homemade Ice Cream in a variety of flavors, and here's an insider tip. Go for the Honey Ice Cream. Trust me. You'll feel right at home at Belito's Vineyard when you dine with the locals. Just let AirAsia take you there and discover it for yourself.

Belito's Vineyard is located at Palm Drive, Bajada, Davao City or call (82) 227-6726 for inquiries and more information.

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