Bohol’s Bounties
JENNY LO TRAVELS TO PANGLAO ISLAND AND TASTES THE DELICIOUS LOCAL FARE THIS HEAVENLY ISLE HAS TO OFFER.
BOHOL BEE FARM
What is it
An organic restaurant set on an ecological farm. The chef cooks gourmet dishes using only natural or organic ingredients, adding his signature honey in the food.
Crowd pleasers
The halang-halang soup — native chicken slow cooked in coconut milk, malunggay leaves, patola, radish and ube (yam) — is to die for. Try the spicy flower salad: greens, herbs and homegrown edible flowers with a honey mustard dressing.
Tried and tasted
“We had the pasta-free camote lasagna made with sweet potato, cheese and herbs, and the fresh homemade bread. It was fabulous.” Lyn Garcia
Where
Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island, tel: (38) 502 2288, www.boholbeefarmpanglao.com (open daily 6am—9pm)
JO’S CHICKEN INATO PAYAG
What is it
A home-style restaurant famous for barbecued chicken dishes. The place is decorated with the owner’s quirky rooster figurines, accessories and paintings.
Crowd pleasers
The super inato combo: crispy grilled chicken served with Bohol’s classic sweet sauce, a stew of barbecued pork, rice and achara (pickled vegetable). Also try the pinakbet, a shrimp paste stew with five fresh, in-season vegetables.
Tried and tasted
“You don’t have to order the chicken. I highly recommend the binakhaw (fish salad) — it has plenty of fish meat.” Caroline Chie
Where
18 Carlos P Garcia East Avenue, Tagbilaran City, tel: (38) 411 2527 (open daily 10am—11pm)
LONG RIVER CRUISE AND FLOATING RESTAURANT
What is it
A restaurant that sails along the Loboc River. Enjoy traditional delicacies and live music performances. A children’s choir sings on Sundays for the Balsa Tourism Project.
Crowd pleasers
The seaweed salad (made with Carrageenan seaweed), grilled pork kebab, marinated bamboo shoots and stir-fried rice vermicelli as side dishes alongside your main course. For dessert, order lots of fresh fruit.
Tried and tasted
“You can enjoy all-youcan-eat Filipino fare, a cruise experience and do charity work all within one hour!” N Reyes
Where
Ondol, Loboc, tel: (38) 537 9063 (open daily for lunch and dinner). Book through your resort.
RODERICK AND VIVIEN SEAFOOD AND GRILL
What is it
By day, this café serves American and Filipino dishes. When evening comes, it becomes an alfresco restaurant that specializes in grilled seafood.
Crowd pleasers
Choose from an impressive variety of seafood (from abalone to squid) at reasonable prices. Tell them how you want it cooked — whether grilled or not. Top sellers include the clam soup, steamed lapu lapu and tasty grilled fish.
Tried and tasted
“Their sweet and sour chili prawns passed my high standards. It was surprisingly good. Two thumbs up!” Andrew Tan
Where
Alona Kew, Tawala, Panglao Island (open 7am—10pm)
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