Saturday, August 24, 2013

Flavors of Davao: Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant

Blessed by an abundance of marine resources, Davao's local cuisine is often characterized with simple flavors using the best and freshest local seafood grilled to perfection. And no culinary tour of Davao would be complete without a stop at one of the city's most popular seafood restaurants, the Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant.


Named after the iconic tuna found in the region, Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant serves some of the best and freshest seafood in Davao. And if the best way of really discovering the city is going where the locals eat, then Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant offers the best introduction to Davao, the "City of Blooms."  Offering a wide array of local favorites, Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant is truly "Deliciously Davao."

Friday, August 23, 2013

Dinner at The Marco Polo's Polo Bistro

After a full day of activities, including seeing Davao's annual Kadayawan harvest festival up close and a trip to the beach, it was time for dinner. Not just any dinner, but dinner by the pool. Just can't get any better than that...


The Polo Bistro is located at The Marco Polo's 4th Level, or The Deck, a recreational, wellness and dining level that features the hotel's 25 m swimming pool, a fitness center, the Lazuli Spa as well as The Marco Polo's special cabanas and rooms with direct access to The Deck's facilities. And if it's grilled seafood and prime meats you're after, including a sampling of special dishes which garnered gold and distinction awards from the Mindanao Culinary Council, The Polo Bistro is the definitely the place.

Sunrise at The Continental Club Lounge

There's just something about a comforting and leisurely breakfast at the break of dawn. The shifting light, the peaceful stillness, and the aroma of warm bread and coffee are just some of the elements that make an early morning breakfast special. Add warm and friendly service, great food, and some measure of privacy away from the crowds, then there's one place that fits the criteria for a special early morning breakfast. 


The Continental Club Lounge of The Marco Polo is exclusive to members of The Continental Club as well as guests in The continental Club Suites located at the 17th and 18th floors of the The Marco Polo. Located at the 17th floor, The Continental Club Lounge offers a panoramic view of the city and a perfect vantage point to catch the sunrise, which makes it the best place in the entire city of Davao for an early morning breakfast.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Side Views: Faces of the Kadayawan

Take a step closer. And see Davao's annual Kadayawan harvest festival in a whole new perspective...


As with previous Kadayawan festivals, The Marco Polo has a special stage directly in front of the hotel where the parade stops to perform their mandatory numbers. The Marco Polo has since been the first stop for all contingents, with the second stop at Davao's City Hall as the different contingents dance their way through the city's streets. The Marco Polo stage provides an excellent vantage point, and a cool opportunity to get up close and see the festivities in a whole new perspective.

Side Views: Indak Indak sa Kadalanan, Davao's Annual Kadayawan Harvest Festival

The sound of distant drums beat a constant rhythm, as the city slowly comes to life in a blaze of color and frantic energy. It's the start of the Kadayawan, Davao's annual harvest festival...


"Kadayawan" comes from the ethnic Mandaya greeting "madayaw" which loosely translates to something precious or valuable, beautiful and good. In thanksgiving to the region's bountiful harvest, the Kadayawan reflect's Davao's rich cultural heritage and diversity, as well as a positive outlook on the future with Davao as one of the country's most progressive cities.

Breakfast at Cafe Marco

A good breakfast always sets the tone for the rest of the day. And at The Marco Polo's Cafe Marco, a good day is pretty much guaranteed... 


Located on the second floor of The Marco Polo, Cafe Marco offers impressive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets daily as well as international a la carte dishes. Choose from a variety of Filipino, Spanish, Italian, Mediterranean, Asian and international dishes in a casual yet elegant space. And for breakfast, you're just an elevator ride away to everything you need for a power breakfast.  

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

A Cantonese Feast at The Marco Polo's Lotus Court

Davao City is a melting pot of different cultures, and this rich diversity is reflected in the popular culinary heritage of the city. The Marco Polo Davao has several restaurants and bars featuring local and international cuisine, including some of the best Cantonese dishes in the city. Our very first day at The Marco Polo starts with a luxurious Cantonese feast at Lotus Court, as we kick off the first day of our four day adventure in the "City of Blooms."


Located at The Marco Polo's third floor, the Lotus Court offers the finest authentic Cantonese cuisine and the freshest seafood in Davao City. With spacious and elegant interiors including three private rooms, the Lotus Court can easily handle an intimate meal for two or large groups and functions. With Head Chef Rolly Bulitan at the helm, with years of experience and the freshest ingredients from the region, you can expect nothing but the best from The Marco Polo's Lotus Court.  

Four Amazing Days at The Marco Polo

Four amazing days. In the very best hotel in Davao City. Just in time for the annual Kadayawan harvest festival. Four amazing days of luxury and comfort, the best international and local cuisine, experiencing the city's rich cultural heritage up close, and meeting some great people. That's one awesome experience at The Marco Polo Davao... 


Situated in the heart of Davao City, The Marco Polo is right in the center of the city's business and commercial district, and just a 20 minute drive from the Davao International Airport.  Part of an Asian-based hotel group, The Marco Polo has 13 luxurious properties in Hong Kong, China, Thailand and the Philippines, key Asian business and leisure destinations combining Asian warmth and western comfort. And there's no better place to stay in Davao, the "City in Bloom," than The Marco Polo.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

URBN Bar & Kitchen's New Bar Chow...And Desserts.

Chef Benjo Tuason is at it again. A new Bar Chow Menu including desserts for late nights at URBN Bar & Kitchen. Late night Happy Hour just can't get any better than this...


The new menu designed and created by Chef Benjo Tuason will be part of URBN Bar & Kitchen's Bar Chow Menu for the late night Happy Hour, served daily from 12mn to 2:30am. URBN's new Bar chow include four flavorful pizzas, an extensive range of light and savory dishes and just in case you have a late night sugar craving, Chef Benjo Tuason has four new desserts. Happy hour was never this cool...

Food News: Gerry's Grill Opens in SM Southmall

Gerry's Grill opens its 58th branch at SM Southmall, part of an aggressive expansion program with plans to open eleven more branches scheduled for the second half of 2013. 


"The demand for dining continues to grow with the economy picking up, and with more malls opening in major cities around the country. We hope to ride the surge of demand in food service," Gerry Apolinario, president and chief executive of Gerry's Grill operator Prime Pacific Grill Inc. (PPGI), said.


The country's leading grill restaurant recently opened at Centrio in Cagayan de Oro; Ayala's The Districy in Imus, Cavite; Robinsons Place Palawan in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan; Market! Market! in Taguig City; and Resorts World Manila's Newport Mall in Pasay City. Good food. Good times. Now, you can have your favorite grilled dishes, there's one that's bound to be near you...

For more information on Gerry's Grill, log on to www.gerrysgrill.com.

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