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.

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

Donatello's Kitchen Cagayan de Oro: Affordable French and Italian Dishes Yet Taste Near Authentic

"Not only are pasta dishes delicious, but they are also great, easy options for a quick dinner during a busy weekday."              ~Marcus Samuelsson

 I'm not really fond with cuisines that are unusual to me. I'm used to traditional Filipino foods, fastfood products and street foods, but not with international cuisines. I like some but not really a big fan. It's just that, I'm not confident to eat them because I may end up not liking them and that my money will go to waste. But trying different cuisines has been on my to-do list to make my life not so boring. Risky but I think the experiences are worth it. No matter how good or bad they can be. 

Just like the Chicken Alfredo Pasta that my friend and I had in a restaurant in Ayala Centrio Mall. I didn't like the taste. It's too oily for me so I handed my plate to my friend. He liked it while I gulped the beverage I ordered with it instead. It saved me from the too-oily taste. Ick. But that was way months ago. It didn't halt me from trying new tempting dishes.

Image Source: Elton Ladd Batinga's Facebook

Located at Divisoria Arcade, R.N. Abejuela Street, Cagayan de Oro City, Donatello's Kitchen offers French and Italian dishes in a platter.

So basically, what a platter will contain are a piece of Grilled Chicken on one of their 6 sauces (depends on what you prefer) and your chosen 2 of their 8 side dishes (depends on what combination you can think that is best).

Alfredo, Marinara, Pesto, Gravy and Chili paste are their 6 sauces. Their side dishes are plain rice, Java rice, Mac N' Cheese, mashed potato, Alfredo Linguine, Marinara Linguine, Pesto Linguine and young corn and mushrooms. They also have refreshments to choose from which are lemonade, mint iced tea and calamansi juice.

The first time that I visited Donatello's Kitchen's stall in Divisoria Arcade (beside Dunkin Donuts) was when I was with my friends (work-related friends in which we had an interview with the owner and was an honor for me to join them). And honestly, I wasn't unsure about their menu. I don't recognize them, except the refreshments. LOL :D

When we were asked what platter to have, I instantly looked at their menu and tried to figure out what combination that works well. I ended up choosing the marinara sauce for the grilled chicken, Mac N' Cheese and Pesto Linguine. That was weird right? Even the owner asked me if I'm being sure of having those combination. I just nodded. I wouldn't know if I will not try it.

Grilled Chicken on Marinara Sauce with Mac N' Cheese and Pesto Linguine

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Here are the other platters created by my friends. Our orders are a bit different to each other for we decided to try all of what they have in their menu. *wink

Grilled Chicken on Gravy Sauce with Java Rice

Grilled Chicken on Pesto Sauce with Mac N' Cheese and Mashed Potato

Grilled Chicken on Chili Paste with Alfredo Linguine

Grilled Chicken on Marinara Sauce with Mac N' Cheese and Young Corn and Mushrooms

Mint Iced Tea

Lemonade

Honestly, I felt excited when we were served with our respective orders. Especially the grilled chicken. It smelled great while being grilled. After taking a lot of pictures of these platters, we dived into eating them.

I really liked their grilled chicken. Tender and well-grilled. And the marinara sauce. I didn't expect that it would really complement with the chicken. Well, I'm fond of tomato sauce so Marinara was a best choice for me. And the Mac N' Cheese! Haven't tried it before so I was really fascinated about it. Since I like cheese, Mac N' Cheese became an instant favorite of mine. But not the Pesto Linguine. Not my usual take with pastas such as Spaghetti, Macaroni and Carbonara. It was my least favorite. But I bet it would be a favorite to Pesto buffs.

Take Out Packaging

Overall, my visit there with friends was great. The food was delicious, I'm winking to that grilled chicken, and was a pleasure to meet the owner who was so kind.

For those who are really into french and italian dishes, Donatello's Kitchen is always there for you. Prices range from P79.99 to P149.99. They also offer delivery. Open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM during weekends and extended on weekends. Visit Donatello's Kitchen facebook page for promos and updates.

Commonly, French and Italian Cuisines from restaurants inside malls and target areas are expensive. Not a doubt. Glad that Donatello's Kitchen is already here in Cagayan de Oro to provide Kagay-anon cravings with this kind of cuisines.

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!

Restaurant Damaso Cagayan de Oro: A Place for A Simple Family Food Tripping

"There is no sincerer love than the love of food."

~George Bernard Shaw

One of the things that I get excited about is definitely trying new food. Well, it's not literally new food but is new to me which others might have already tasted it. Let's say for an example, Eggs Benedict. It is new to me because I haven't tasted it yet but a lot of others, specifically Americans, have had of it already. Enough explaining. Well, at least, I made myself clear. LOL

Sikwate Ice Cream with Coconut Snow

Have you heard about the so called Sikwate Ice Cream? It is an ice cream powdered with Coconut Snow. If you haven't heard of this dessert yet, bring with you your friends to Restaurant Damaso, only in Cagayan de Oro City.

Restaurant Damaso can be located where Mom’s Corner Restaurant was formerly homed, at Pabayo corner Toribio Chavez Streets (ground floor of Casa Crystalla). They serve a wide range of international dishes, from Sweet Italian Sausage, Spaghetti Vongole, Fuego To Go Ribs, to Cerveza Ice Cream with Burnt Honeycomb. And the list goes on.

Steamed Mussels with Brown Butter

I met Sikwate Ice Cream in an article from a CdeO lifestyle blog which featured Restaurant Damaso. Not exaggerating, but I was really curious about how it tastes like. Just so glad because one of my friends decided to have desserts in Restaurant Damaso. D-E-S-S-E-R-T. This word is much exciting to hear I tell you! Though we were after their desserts that time, these were what we ordered: Steamed Mussels with Brown Butter, Cerveza Ice Cream with Burnt Honey Comb, Cream Cheese Ice Cream and two servings of Sikwate Ice Cream with Coconut Snow.

Steamed Mussels on my plate :D

I'm not really fond of eating shelled seafoods such as this mussels but I ended loving the dish. Soft, chewy and buttery.

Cerveza Ice Cream with Burnt Honeycomb

You might be wondering we ordered a lot of ice cream which is not for dinner, well, just to let you know we already had our dinner at a near food stall, Donatello's Kitchen. So Steamed Mussels was just right, and then ice cream marathon! LOL. We then tried their Cerveza Ice Cream. I enjoyed its distinct taste. And the burnt honeycomb, it tasted like meringue to me. A must-try!

Cream Cheese Ice Cream

Then Cream Cheese Ice Cream was next. Hmm. Well, it tasted too sour for me. But still, we were able to empty the plate. Meaning, we still loved it. :D

Sikwate Ice Cream with Coconut Snow

And last but not the least, the STAR, in my opinion is Sikwate Ice Cream with Coconut Snow. I used to always drink hot sikwate at my grandmother's place during mornings, and that I really enjoy it. As well as this Sikwate Ice Cream! The sweet taste of the ice cream, the sticky caramel under it and the sprinkles of powdered snow complements each other. Definitely one of the desserts that I like so far in my life. And no doubt, this is going to be my forever favorite whenever I get to dine at Restaurant Damaso. Have a taste, then you'll know what I'm talking about. :D

Aside of the food, what's best in this restaurant is that you are able to meet the owners, for they serve what you ordered themselves.

Restaurant Damaso left an impression to me with that Sikwate Ice Cream. But I know that there are more of their dishes that I must try. I tell you, to taste is to believe! Head on to Restaurant Damaso today and have a taste of their proud dishes. I am also proud about them. Only in Cagayan de Oro! :)