Bad Burgers CDO: Burgers That Are Bad But In A Good Way

"We all need to make time for a burger once in a while."
~Erica Durance

There are some things that are irresistible, especially when it comes to food (e.g. burger). So don't halt yourself from having your comfort food, just not too much. Like what Erica Durance said, we all need to make time for a "burger", even, once in a while.

There was once that known burger joint which offered delectable various kinds of burgers in Cagayan de Oro. Huge buns, multi-layered patties and overflowing sauces and veggies. These made the said burger joint become popular among Kagay-anons. But they are no longer to be found in the city, leaving the likes of me wondering what their burgers taste like. Not until Bad Burgers came at CDO Center Point.

Bad Burgers just recently opened to the public last February 12, 2016 at Corrales Avenue cor. Domingo Velez Street, right at the new CDO Center Point Arcade behind AA BBQ. A new addition to the burger joints in the city.

The first time I heard their name, it instantly made me curious. Why "Bad Burgers", and that how "bad" are their burgers? Silly but you can't help but ask the same questions yourself. And I heard that it has been gaining popularity in the city so there was no excuse for me not to try and visit their place. And also, to have answers to my silly questions. LOL :D

To be honest, I was excited that day when we went to the very place. I was with one of my officemates that time, with the other four to join us after an hour (different working shifts). And since we were waiting for the others, we were able to take pictures of the place and enjoy the comforting ambiance inside the resto.

All images shown in this blog post are owned by the author.

But in the next 30 minutes or so, we can no longer help ourselves from hunger. LOL. With all the other customers who already had their orders, we felt the need to order already so we won't be kicked out of the resto from not having any food in our table. But really, that's what we felt that time so we ordered ahead.

We had their French Fries, and Cheesy Bacon Mushroom. Irresistible as they look, I excitedly took slices of the burger to try to taste it. Man, the burger was juicy and the bun's softness was just right, not chewy and not hard. Though their fries tasted just same with the other restos and fastfood chains, still it satisfied the inner french fries lover in me.

Bucketfull of French Fries

Cheesy Bacon Mushroom  Burger

Later, our officemates arrived, surprised that I wasn't able to suppress my hunger. LOL. Anyways, they ordered Hawaiian with Cheese Burger, Beef Taco, another bucket-full of French Fries and a Triple Threat Burger.

Beef Taco

Hawaiian with Cheese Burger

I wasn't able to take a picture of the Triple Threat Burger but I can assure you that it was big with 3 juicy patties.

It was my first time to indulge such a huge burger. Plus, it didn't disappoint my taste buds. Even eating half of the burger is already satisfying. I must say it was really a bad burger. I mean bad, that it was good.

SO tell me honestly. You're craving for such burgers at this moment, right? Head on to Bad Burgers today and make sure to bring with you your family and friends.

Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant Cagayan de Oro: Celebrating Their 17th Year Anniversary with an All-Out Buffet

Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.

~Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

 Last year 2015, I was able to get a free Banana Fanna from Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant after subscribing to their recently launched and official website Bigby's Cafe. It is a fried sugar coated banana (saba) that was sliced like a fan drizzled with syrup and topped with vanilla ice cream. It tasted like heaven partnered with their Strawberry-Mango Shake. And that was also my first time to enter their restaurant in Centrio Ayala Mall. I did take my time there, enjoying the dessert all by myself. Hoping that I'll be able to get another taste of that Banana Fanna one of these days. *fingers-crossed :D

And just last Last December 8, 2015, they celebrated their 17th year anniversary. In line with their celebration, they offered a buffet for all of its loyal and first-time customers. And that time, I, along with my other 2 friends went for the buffet.

I took the opportunity to take pictures of the interior that was adorned with pieces that will take you to the other parts of the world.

No doubt many Kagay-anons and even celebrities and foreigners drop by and spend quality time at Bigby's to enjoy their great food.

In the above picture is the spot that can be seen at the far left of the restaurant. It is my favorite spot where I got to enjoy their Banana Fanna for the first time. (This specific dessert really left an impression to me. :D)

Photo Source: Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant FB page

Photo Source: Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant FB page

Photo Source: Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant FB page

Photo Source: Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant FB page

Photo Source: Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant FB page

Photo Source: Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant FB page

Anyways, going back to the buffet day, not long before more guests arrived who were also thrilled about Bigby's buffet, my friends and I did take our food by turns so as not to leave our table unattended. The above pictures were some of the menu displayed for the buffet, and I just grabbed those pictures from Bigby's Facebook page since I felt shy taking pictures on that day (other guests might get annoyed if I pursued taking pictures that time LOL. And here's what consisted my plate. :D

And since I'm not a regular customer of Bigby's, I am not familiar with the dishes they served during the buffet. But looking at the portions, there you can see slices of calamares, carbonara, lechon manok, fried chicken... and others. LOL

That was my first plate but I took another round, and more of fruits and desserts. Man, that was the most satisfying dinner I had in my life.

I also got to share some quality chitchats with my 2 friends that time. Seemed they also enjoyed the food as well as the ambiance. I couldn't agree more to them.

The next time, I would like to try their Titanic Ice Cream since it's already summer time. I'm also intrigued with their Rack-a-Bye Baby Back Ribs since theirs are the most talked about. And to that Banana Fanna, I'm eyeing on you. :D

All images posted in this blog post are owned by the author.

Boy Zugba Cagayan de Oro: Early Christmas Treat Through Their Eat-All-You-Can Buffet

You don't need a silver fork to eat good food.

~Paul Prudhomme

 I can never say no when it comes to food, unless I've tried it before and that it tastes bad. That's the time it'll be a no. But not with Cagayan de Oro's popular kusina bisaya, Boy Zugba. Located at Corrales Avenue corner Ramon Chavez Street.

This was my first time at Boy Zugba, and have never been too excited. Ever since I've known that they do have a Trivia Night every Tuesdays, I've always wanted to participate. Knowing that the winning team gets GCs so that was another reason. LOL. But really, their food looks great too so I guess the food must taste good too. Fast forward, after we bought tickets a day before November 20, 2015, finally I got to enter the restaurant.

It was Boy Zugba's advanced celebration for the upcoming Christmas season offered for it's customers. For that, the whole resto was adorned with jolly and colorful christmas decors.

By the time I was already at my seat, I instantly felt like it's a home away from home. Inviting and surprisingly, colorful but still calm in the eye. I was with my officemates that time, so I wasn't worried being with a crowd of buffet-goers that I don't know.

We were waiting for my other officemates to arrive when suddenly, we felt hungry. So we dived the buffet for we can no longer wait for them. LOL.

These were some of the menu on Boy Zugba's buffet.

Fresh Lumpia

Cucumber, tomato, unripe mango cubes

Pinakbet, Bihon and Shanghai Lumpia

Kinilaw

Chicken Inasal

Cheesy Chorizo

All images posted in this blog post are owned by the author.

Cassava Cake

Assorted fruit slices

I didn't make myself confused on which dishes to choose, but put them all on my plate. Wait up! I only took small portions though. :D

My plate looks like the one above. I told you, I only took small portions. LOL. Until all of my officemates arrived and one by one they also took their buffet plates. 

I should say, I was really full that time. Man, I did enjoy the cheesy chorizo the most and it was my super star. Then I took a lot fruit slices later that eating time.

And since there was a program laid that night, we did took our time there. We were able to witness the powerful voice of Muriel Lomadilla, one of the grand finalists of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3, and the angelic voices of the city's pride, the Golden Friendship Choral. Much entertained when they sung the Lion King song "Circle of Life". I was very impressed big time!

Later, Boy Zugba's TGIB or Thank God It's Beernes that happens every Friday of the week, started. The hosts Jek-jek and Sig did entertain all of us through their humor and comic actions. It was a night filled with laughter. We went home with so much glee on our faces.

Image Source: Boy Zugba Facebook page

And Just last February 8, 2016, I was able to attend Boy Zugba's 1st Anniversary. And I was so glad to be able to taste their food for the second time around. I can never get enough of their chicken inasal. And all of us were serenaded by the Tamarisk Band. It was blast!:D

Until the next time Boy Zugba! :D

Tokyo Bubble Tea Cagayan de Oro: Experience Authentic Japanese Food and Vibe

Source: @elaineebao Instagram

"I could talk food all day. I love good food."~ Tom Brady

One of the things that I can say was my advantage in living in a city (and being employed), specifically in the city of Cagayan de Oro, is that I am able to try different cuisines from restaurants. Well, there comes the struggle of choosing which and what restaurant to visit to since there are already hundreds of restaurants in CdeO. They may be in malls, centers, districts and along the highways. This means, whenever you crave for such cuisine, there will always be restaurants available and accessible for you.

Source: @krismullence Instagram

If it happens that you crave for Japanese food today, then lucky you! Have you been to Tokyo Bubble Tea Milk Tea Place and Restaurant? If yes, awesome! If not yet, head there today! But, no hurries! Let me share my experience (well, actually experiences for I've been there a couple of times already) at this japanese restaurant first.

Bulgogi Nachos of Tokyo Bubble Tea

This japanese restaurant, Tokyo Bubble Tea, just opened its branch here in Cagayan de Oro last year 2014 in February, providing their signature milk teas and delicious japanese dishes. Located at the 3rd Level, Centrio Mall in front of the cinema lobby. And since I'm so innocent about these japanese foods, and due to curiosity, I tried visiting it just this year 2015.

Okonomiyaki of Tokyo Bubble Tea

I was with my officemates when I decided to try japanese food. I was hesitant at first for I wasn't sure if I'm going to like the food, but I took the risk. It's always a pleasure to try a different food. And I ended loving their food and was worth the risk. :D Then, we kept on coming back.

Yogi's Poutine Fries

I only tried some from their menu. Bulgogi Nachos, Yogi's Poutine Fries, Okonomiyaki, California Sushi, and Milkshakes. Well, for me, their Bulgogi Nachos is the star. Spicy, sweet, crunchy, meaty, satisfying! And their milkshakes too. I've had their Double Chocolate, Strawberry and Honey Dew Melon milkshakes, and the latter was my all-time favorite. I also like Yogi's Poutine Fries for I am a potato muncher. The Okonomiyaki was a bit new to me so it really took me time before I appreciated its taste. But the sushi was a struggle for me. I'm not used to it maybe that's why I didn't like it. But maybe for those who are really into sushi, they will surely love it.

California Sushi of Tokyo Bubble Tea

Aside of their japanese foods, I also like the ambiance and vibe inside the restaurant. Japanese music plays on the background and Japanese greetings from the staff are just some of the things you'd expect.

Strawberry Milkshake of Tokyo Bubble Tea

Since then, Tokyo Bubble Tea has been a place for friendly conversations and even simple meetups for me. Definitely an ideal place to spend quality time with friends and loved ones.

So whenever your taste buds demand for japanese food, you can always choose to visit Tokyo Bubble Tea Milk Tea Place and Restaurant. 

Source: @caicaiquina7 Instagram

Pizza Republic Pick + Mix Cagayan de Oro: Decide Your Own Pizza Creation and Enjoy Freshness and Uniqueness in Every Bite

"There's no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap." ~Kevin James

 I've never been a fan of pizzas before. I just hate the slices of onions, the strips of bell pepper. I really don't eat them, but that was before. I started loving pizzas when I also started working. Whenever there are celebrations inside the office, we usually order pizzas. Sometimes, my friends and I go out and visit a pizza parlor to munch slices of pizzas. Then pizzas became my cravings.

You might have heard about some of the well-known pizza restaurants and shops like Greenwich, Shakey's, Pizza Hut, Yellow Cab, etc. Well they are widely known. But there are also shops that are  locally known like of Cagayan de Oro's Calda Pizza and Alberto's. But wait, do you know a pizzeria which can let you choose the toppings for your own pizza? Definitely Pizza Republic Pick+Mix!

Pizza Republic Pick+Mix by Guiseppe Genco can be located at the former Rosario Arcade Strip in Limketkai Center. 

There is so much space inside the restaurant that can cater maybe up to 50 persons or more. The interior is hued with wood colors with numerous light bulbs hanging above. 

They also have their freedom wall. As you can see, there are no available spaces to write anymore. That must mean that a lot of customers have already visited and did write on this wall. Impressive!

Basically, their 10-inch pizza (8 slices) is priced for P245 good for 2-4 persons. But they also have what they call as "pizzeta", 7-inch pizza (4 slices) that costs P145 with a drink of your choice. 

Reasonable price for fresh from italy ingredients and dough, and actual preparation of your own pizza!

To dress up your own customized pizza, there are more than 60 toppings to choose from. Remember, the taste of your own pizza depends on the toppings you chose. But anyway, no matter how your pizza looks like or how weird your topping choices are, a pizza will always be a pizza that you love. And that for sure, your pizza will still taste good. :D

It may take time for you to choose which toppings you'd like but definitely worth the time. A reason for you to get excited about what pizza you will gonna have after it get flamed in the wood-fired oven.

These images were taken during my recent visit at Pizza Republic Pick+Mix together with officemates.

And the image above shows the three customized pizzas we - my officemates and I - had the last time we visited Pizza Republic Pick+Mix for lunch. We were very satisfied with the pizzas we munched.

There may be a lot of pizzerias situated in different corners of Cagayan de Oro, but Pizza Republic Pick+Mix is the only one pizzeria that lets you customize your own pizza. No wonder why it gathered a lot of Kagay-anons during its opening last October. So, how do you like Pizza Republic Pick+Mix? Would love to hear from you!