Restaurant Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Sep132024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Must-try in Cagayan de Oro: Steak Paraiso

Business, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Restaurant, Reviews

My friends Miki, Mike, Vic and I had an awesome steak dinner in Cagayan de Oro just recently. It was to welcome Vic home as he has been living in the UK with his family for several years now. We went to Steak Paraiso, located in Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro. I met the owner of this popular steakhouse during the pandemic, when he still ran a wagyu place in Malaybalay City. At the time, I was with my Bukidnon-based friends including Roger, an Australian friend of mine, who ended up praising the owner because we were served top quality Kitayama Wagyu and other meats. Mind you, Australians know their roast beef and steaks so for Roger to only have compliments is a big deal. Anyway, because I had a great experience then, I knew Miki, Mike and Vic would also love it at Steak Paraiso CDO. I was righ...

May132024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Went to Japanese restaurant chain Botejyu as they opened their 86th branch in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Japan, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews

Botejyu CDO at Ayala Centrio Mall is NOW OPEN! The 86th branch of BOTEJYU Philippines is NOW OPEN at the Garden Corte (garden area, ground floor) of Ayala Malls Centrio Cagayan de Oro! Absolutely good news for Japanese cuisine lovers like me. Went during their opening and Botejyu’s dishes truly took me back to my happy days in Japan! I liked their open kitchen --- you can see how they prepare your food. I also liked that their staff members were courteous and helpful and --- this is important to me --- knowledgeable about their menu. I thoroughly enjoyed the tonkotsu ramen with char siu, okonomiyaki (Botejyu isn't Japan's pioneer okonomiyaki specialty restaurant chain for nothing!), assorted sushi, skewers (your kids will like these!) and their delicious takoyaki! Related posts:...

Oct22023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Unleash Your Inner Chef at Nuda CDO: The Ultimate DIY Korean Ramyun Experience

Business, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews

If you're in the mood for something warm, comforting and delicious (not to mention very affordable), and you're a ramyeon / ramyun / ramen lover like me, then look no further than Nuda CDO. Nuda is the new (and BEST so far...trust me!) DIY Korean ramyun restaurant in Cagayan de Oro. Nestled just a stone's throw away from the Xavier University gym along Corrales Avenue - right at the heart of downtown Cagayan de Oro City. Nuda is the brainchild of my longtime friend - none other than singer/composer/artist and CDO's very own pride and joy, Titus John "TJ" Monterde, along with his wife, singer KZ Tandingan and their families. How they came up with the name of this business is a cute story. Here's how TJ explained it: https://youtube.com/shorts/fpvedOSTld4?feature=share What s...

May282023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Trying out Lampara Poblacion with Norby David

Features, Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews

Lampara is a neo-Filipino bistro located in Poblacion, Makati. As the name suggests, Lampara (“lamp” in Filipino) aims to “shine light” on contemporary Filipino cuisine. Lampara Poblacion Makati features a variety of Filipino dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant is housed in a two-storey building with modern and industrial interiors, with walls adorned with graffiti-style artwork and with mixed-and-matched chairs and some tables made from reclaimed wood. Lampara has a large outdoor patio that's perfect for al fresco dining. That's where Norbs and I sat and enjoyed some of Lampara's small plates. For new readers of this humble blog, Norbs is Norby David, with whom I just marked a decade-long friendship with. I first met Norby in 2013 during a San Miguel Beer-sponsored concert...

May192023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

POPS Buffet at SM CDO Downtown now offers expanded menu, now with new Asian flavors

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Society

POPS Buffet a.k.a. POPS All Filipino Eatery, the most preferred and most affordable eat-and-drink-all-you-can restaurant inside a mall in Cagayan de Oro (SM CDO Downtown Premiere) now offers an expanded menu that includes new Asian flavors! Aside from their staples, POPS Buffet now adds Asian treats such as bulgogi, gyudon, mafo tofu, pad thai, Vietnamese spring roll and more. I highly recommend that you call them beforehand to check which Asian flavors they will have on the day that you plan to visit. Check out the photos I took during a recent visit to POPS Buffet at SM CDO Downtown Premiere: The buffet is available everyday during mall hours. Please call 0917 873 0800 for inquiries and/or table reservations. POPS All Filipino Eatery is a homeg...

Jun52022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Ice cream artisan Creamery Studios CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant

We all have those days when we just want ice cream, comfort snacks, delicious coffee (yasss) and maybe a drink that resembles the northern lights, right? Because I do! Thankfully, there's a new place in Cagayan de Oro where you and I can indulge in everything good and sweet - Creamery Studios CDO!Try their ice cream artisan specialties, Korean egg drop sandwich, Spanish latte and the Sparkling Aurora (which resembles the breathtaking aurora borealis) The pasta chips and the berry tea fusion are also delicious choices. The Creamery Studios CDO space is also full of unicorn hues. Great for small events! However, aside from the food and drinks and colorful space, what makes Creamery Studios a must-visit is the affable owner, Chino. He is hands-on and passionate about his new venture...and ha...

Sep232021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Panagatan Restaurant Opol now offers breakfast

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews

Breakfast with a view? How about breakfast by the sea? Yes, please! Panagatan Restaurant, considered as Northern Mindanao's culinary gem and everyone's favorite seafood restaurant in this side of Northern Mindanao, Philippines, now offers breakfast and now opens at 6:30 AM (closes at 9 PM). For only Php 150 (US $3.00), your main viand (choose from bacon, corned beef, beef tapa, crispy danggit or daing na bangus) comes with 2 eggs and rice (or toasted bread). Value for money! There are also other breakfast options on their menu so go ahead and try this Cagayan de Oro breakfast place. Enjoy your breakfast by the bay! Panagatan Opol is atop the water so you can enjoy the morning sea breeze with delicious breakfast. Want to reserve tables or have inquiries? Just call Panagatan Resta...

Jun182021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

This Panagatan Restaurant bilao treat is a winner

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews

Allow me to share with you one of my recent favorite food finds - the Panagatan Restaurant bilao treat! I'm referring to the Panagatan Restaurant Bilao D offer in particular. For only Php 950 (less than US $20), you get this whole shebang - grilled tuna belly, calamares, crispy shrimps and seafood kebabs! This was more than enough for my small party of 3 :) The tuna belly was grilled perfectly (the fish was tender and juicy), the calamares rings were not gummy at all (if they are, then that means they're overcooked!) and the crispy shrimps serving was generous. Delicious and truly value for money! Highly recommended! We also capped our meal with the bestselling Panagatan Restaurant Buko Halo halo! So good! This one is a must-order! We were also given a compliment...

Sep212020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Delicious Thai food at SIAM Krua

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews

One of the "normal" things I miss is dining out. I'm sure you do, too. Actually, it's not just the idea or the act of dining out. It's eating the food you love or the food you've been craving for. And these days, it's authentic Thai food for me! In Cagayan de Oro, I get my Thai cuisine fix at Siam by Krua Thai. It's run by the same Siam by Krua Thai that I go to in Cebu City. From their Gateway Lim Ket Kai location, they've transferred to the 2nd Floor of Lim Ket Kai Mall, just right across Robinson's. Siam Krua Thai CDO had health and safety protocols in place. They had contact tracing forms, alcohol and a temperature check by the door. The server was also pleasant and knew which bestsellers to suggest. Of course, I just had to have Tom Yum Seafood Soup. Don't ...

May292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

POPS CDO Filipino restaurant reopens, adapts to new normal

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Restaurant

As the world slowly eases back to its "new normal" amidst this current health scare, restaurants are also slowly but surely adapting to new guidelines and implementing them well so as to protect consumers. Cagayan de Oro's P.O.P.S. All Filipino Eatery, best known as CDO's most popular eat-and-drink-all-you-can place, is nothing different. After nearly 2 months of temporary closure due to quarantine guidelines set by the government, POPS CDO is now back and ready to serve customers. Although dine-in is still not allowed as of this writing, POPS CDO is geared up and ready to offer pickup, takeout and delivery! Moreover, the POPS Cagayan de Oro management is also taking into consideration the possible changes such as reduced capacity of dine-in customers, heightened health and safety pro...

May242020 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Panagatan Restaurant reopens all branches, offers 30 percent discount

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant

Considered as Northern Mindanao's culinary gem and everyone's favorite seafood restaurant, Panagatan Restaurant is back in business! Panagatan Restaurant is all geared up to cater to pickup, takeout and delivery orders! Plus, here's an amazing deal - 30 percent off on all seafood meals! This offer lasts until May 31, 2020 so I highly recommend that you visit the Panagatan Restaurant branch nearest you. They have 6 branches, folks! Their main one, my favorite, is in Opol. It's atop the water so you can enjoy the sea breeze. They then have branches in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and Valencia City, Bukidnon. PLEASE CALL THESE NUMBERS Opol - 0917 713 1436Ayala Malls (Centrio) - 0923 087 2418 / landline 323 1390SM Downtown - 0927 851 6711 / landline 859 1376SM City Uptown - 0...

May82020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mother’s Day gifts you can easily pay and get online

Beauty, Business, Consumer, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Internet, Leisure, LifeStyle, Restaurant, Shopping, Society, Style, Technology

With Mother’s Day drawing near and we're all still supposed to stay at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we can actually still make the most important woman in our lives feel very special on the very day of the year that's meant for her! The best option? Do cashless transactions with many of the businesses that offer takeout/to-go, pickup or delivery options. Chances are, your favorite business establishments offer one or all of those options! With cashless transactions, getting those Mother's Day gifts will definitely be a breeze and safer! For the movie junkie mom If your mom loves movies, why not give her access to all her favorite films and series with a Netflix subscription? You can even set up a movie night for the entire family complete with your go-to snacks. Su...

Jul302019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Returning to Bayfront Hotel Cebu

Business, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews, Visayas

Frequent travelers like myself have various reasons as to why we return and stay again at a certain hotel. We rebook a hotel room in Cebu, for instance, because we love the features of the room and the amenities. And the price, as well as the location, are perfect. Swak sa budget, 'ika nga. Just a few days ago, I found myself back at Bayfront Hotel Cebu. Straight from New York to Cebu, I needed a Cebu hotel where I can just rest, rest, and yes, REST. Aside from all the reasons I previously mentioned, what made me return to Bayfront Hotel Cebu City is the exceptional service, courteousness and professionalism of the staff. Let me cite some examples. First, as soon as I arrived, the staff immediately helped me with my luggage. They then secured my bags, waited for me to check-in...

Oct72018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Ultimate Germany Food Guide Bound To Satisfy True Foodies’ Taste Buds

Food, Restaurant

One of the best parts about traveling is getting to experience foods of a different culture. That said, the more touristy destinations tend to downplay their dishes to meet the palate of the masses. If you're a true foodie, your taste buds are far more mature than most and thereby deserve foods that are rich in German flavors and accents. Use this Germany food guide to help you find establishments that serve up such fare. The Table Kevin Fehling, Hamburg This restaurant has three Michelin stars, each of which it earned in its very first year, a testament to its quality. Named after the 39-year-old Chef Kevin Fehling, this restaurant and its founder may be young but its atmosphere and modern European cuisine are for the mature. Diners can enjoy a night of exclusivity at the single, windin...

Apr162018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Eat and drink all you can for Php 199 (FREE for kids) at this Cagayan de Oro restaurant

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews

Being a fast-growing city, Cagayan de Oro is now home to more and more restaurants. In fact, buffets or restaurants that offer eat-all-you-can in Cagayan de Oro are now a dime in a dozen. This is great for consumers like us, of course. The more options, the better! There are a lot of CDO buffet places now! However, let's face it. Not all CDO buffets are the same. Some are expensive, some may have affordable rates but the selection isn't that good or worse, some may seem to have fair prices but when the final bill arrives, you realize that there are hidden charges, service charges etc. That basically ruins what should have been a pleasant gastronomic experience, right? Good thing POPS All Filipino Eatery, which just announced that their eat-and-drink-all-you-can offer is now available eve...

Mar302017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Delicious Taiwanese cuisine at Tien Ma’s CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews, Videos

My first visit to Taiwan is still pretty fresh in my mind. Obviously, I really had so much fun in Taipei, Jiufen and other nearby Taiwan areas for me to still remember that oh-so-lovely vacation! Guess what's a big part of those lovely memories? Yup, the FOOD! Taiwanese cuisine is absolutely delicious (and we're not just talking about xiao long bao, people!). This is why I'm thrilled Tien Ma's opened a branch in Cagayan de Oro! Tien Ma's CDO serves Taiwanese cuisine. Founded by a Chinese couple, the first Tien Ma's branch is located in Retiro, Quezon City. The brand's rise to popularity sure is fast - they now have branches in Libis, Makati and now, Cagayan de Oro. By the way, Tien is the family name of the female owner. Ma is for "mother." Ergo, Tien Ma means Mother Tien or Mama...

Feb52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Where to eat at NAIA 3 Manila airport

Flights, Food, Manila, Restaurant, Reviews, Travel

I’ll let you in on a secret. Whenever I fly out of NAIA 3 Manila airport, I head there extra early. Like 3 hours early. I’m not kidding! Before, I just make sure I’m at the airport with an hour or so to spare. Now, I’m there really early. I have one very good - no, delicious! - reason: gourmet ramen! Ramen Nagi, hailed as one of the best in Tokyo, Japan (it has fetched top awards in the National Ramen of the Year Competitions in 2011 and 2012), has opened a branch at the Food Hall, located at the 4th Floor of NAIA 3. Now, it’s more convenient for travelers to have a taste of the popular Butao, its signature ramen, and incidentally, the name of the Ramen Nagi franchise in Hong Kong as well. So far, I just settle for the Original King Butao (Php 390) and a Tamago (Php 50). I t...

Dec302016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

When In CDO: Check out The Oak Room whisky bar

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews, Society

I first wrote about The Oak Room CDO a few weeks back. That post got shared by hundreds of people - proof that the idea of a whisky bar that also has an amazing selection of vodka, tequila, brandy, cognac, scotch, champagne and many more in the middle of bustling Cagayan de Oro is what people have been waiting for. Together with my blogger friends Mike of CDO Places and Vic of Wow CDO (who also happen to be my co-founders of business group Hatch Mastermind), I attended the grand opening of The Oak Room CDO. Located within the compound of The Nest along Corrales Avenue, The Oak Room Cagayan de Oro is a cozy, comfortable gentleman's lounge that has an unparalleled whisky collection. From Ballantine to Famous Grouse to Jameson to Maker's Mark to the likes of Johnnie Walker, Chiva...

Dec62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That awesome Limketkai Luxe Hotel weekend themed buffet

Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews

A few days ago, I got to try the new and improved weekend themed buffet over at Kave Restaurant, Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro's luxury hotel. It was a superb lunch. How good? Let's just say that Santa Claus had major belly competition that day LOL. I also had a realization of sorts at the time (yep, satisfying lunches cause this sometimes!). That in order for you to fully enjoy the Limketkai Luxe Hotel CDO buffet more, you have to be with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. Just like what happened when I went. I was with great friends whom I shared lively conversations with! BOOK A ROOM AT LIMKETKAI LUXE HOTEL CDO Anyway, the theme that Saturday I went was "Oriental Style." Here's the Limketkai Hotel CDO buffet schedule: Every Friday (6PM to 10PM) - the theme is ...

Nov252016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The latest toast of the town: P.O.P.S. All Filipino Eatery CDO, where traditional meets hip

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews

These days, more often than not, sales are greatly affected by the millenials or echo boomers. These Generation Y folks are those who like to try new things, check out new places, taste new cuisine and post about their own experiences via social media. They are young, have modern mind sets, have money to spend and have platforms where they can easily share their thoughts and possibly influence others. However, if your business is more of the traditional type, how do you target these millenials? This is the challenge that the owners of P.O.P.S. All Filipino Eatery proudly faced and by the looks of it, they’re winning! P.O.P.S. or Pinoy Original Paborito Special serves a wide selection of homestyle and traditional Filipino cooking prepared with modern techniques. What makes them unique i...

Oct172016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The best churros in CDO can be found in a bike shop – no, really!

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Restaurant, Reviews, Sports, Style

Yes, Virginia, you read that right. The best churros or fried dough pastry in this side of Northern Mindanao, Philippines can actually be found in a recently opened one stop shop that sells high performance mountain bicycles, gear and accessories - Bike Republic Cafe. Yes, a CDO bike shop would most probably be the last place you’d think of when hunting for the best churros in town. However, Bike Republic Cafe isn’t like any other shop. They’re the exclusive retailer of Trek bicycles in Cagayan de Oro and they also carry Scott products, which apparently were the bikes used by gold medalists during Rio Olympics 2016. Plus they also offer good food, coffee, beer, mouthwatering sandwiches, burgers and, of course, churros con tsokolate (which I’ve been raving about for days!). Add cozy a...

Oct12016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Why Toast Cafe Should Be On Your Must Visit In Cebu List

Cafe, Cebu City, Features, Food, Hotels, Restaurant, Reviews, Taiwan, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

I’m back on Philippine shores! Taiwan was lovely and I can’t wait to share with you all my travel stories. In the meantime, let me share a really cool place I just discovered in Cebu City, where I took my flight to Taiwan from. It’s called Toast Cafe, it’s located at Cuarto Hotel near Fuente Circle, and it’s awesome. Toast Cafe is chic with its brick walls and wooden furniture yet homey with its chalkboards and friendly, attentive staff. Space is limited but is private enough to let you concentrate on your own meal, laptop or book. Tasteful interiors and a great use of space. Plus this may sound peculiar but can I just say that you must use the john (slang for washroom!) while you’re there? Toast Cafe is a nice date place, a place where you can meet your gal pals or have fami...