Davao Diary: Day 3

I’m not much of sight-seeing kind of a tourist. I’m more like a traveling gourmand. When visiting a new place, the first thing I check out is the FOOD! Sorry but I really love to eat. Hehe. Eating with gusto runs in our family (in the mother’s side).

Anyway, so on my 3rd day right after I had my wrist treatment at the East Asia Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Institute (see separate blog on this), I met up with my Tita Sally (my mom’s 2nd to last sister, who’s only 9 yrs older than me) and my sister Marla for lunch. Tita took us to her friend’s café Tata Benito’s A WholeLATTEloveCOFFEESHOP at the Paseo de Legaspi compound in Legaspi St. Davao City.



It was quaint and it has free Wi-Fi :-) Great for Internet Addicts like me. Their menu is typical of any coffee shop except that you have everything much cheaper here compared to Manila. At their Paseo de Legaspi branch, you can also find a tiny chic boutique also by the café’s owner, who we found out, was my sister’s old classmate back in grade school.

And then after our lunch, we went to our Tita Raquel's salon and dress shop (the one who made my wedding gown and entourage dresses). We did the usual girly stuff – trying on the newest dresses on the rack and then foot spa, pedicure, hot oil… I also had a blazer and pants set tailored for me.



Then I met up with two of my high school close friends for dinner. Connie came with her husband Julius while Pyrite came alone. Her hubby was home taking care of their 1 year old. Toink. Anyway, my sister and Tita Sally recommended this “secret” restaurant owned by one of her friends, Richie Ferrazzini, heir to the Davao Merco food dynasty. It used to be casually called “Brother’s Kitchen” for the lack of a real name actually but now Richie officially calls it “Belito’s”.

It’s not “really” a restaurant. In fact, it is actually just an outdoor patio of the owner’s residence, who by the way cooks the food himself (most of the time). Going there could be tricky if you’re planning to go at night. The place doesn’t really have a sign and the subdivision where it’s situated in is a bit starkly lit. From Bajada, you have to enter Palm Drive. The most conspicuous marker would have to the Buzz Café. Once on Palm Drive, count 4 “kantos” or street corners to your left. Turn left on the 4th. It’s a dead end but it is here where you will find the Davao’s best kept secret.

Paella Negra

Though they welcome walk-ins, it’s better if you can make reservations with the owner himself. He would then ask you your initial orders. It’s actually very convenient because it saves up on waiting time. My sister advised me to order their famous Paella Negra and Steamed Pampano. And boy oh boy, it was delish!!! It was worth getting lost going there. Hehe. Then we also tried their Crispy Spare Ribs and Sinigang na Isda, which I forgot to take pictures of ‘coz we were already caught up in our conversations and gluttony. Haha.

Steamed Pampano

For 4 entrees, we only paid 900 pesos. Welcome to Davao City indeed! So if ever you’re in Davao City, don’t miss the opportunity to try Richie Ferrazzini’s backyard restaurant “Belito’s”. You may text/call him at 09065721188.