Where to dine during Bacolod Masskara Festival 2008

While the main purpose many tourists flock to Bacolod during October is to witness the very colourful Masskara Festival, half of the adventure is always allocated for a unique truly-Ilonggo Dining Experience. After all food in Bacolod is always fresh and cheap.

So where do we begin? Breakfast, please?

1. Bacolod Business Inn – Many have been raving about their breakfast. But I haven?t tried it though. Free coffee refill.
2. Sylvia Manor Hotel – I tried it last summer. They have a wide selection of breakfast perfect for the whole family. There?s bread, cereals, rice, fruits and a whole lot more.
3. McDonald’s 6th Street Lacson – For the budget conscious. Always remember that Bacolod is a McDonald?s City. There are more Golden Arches store in the city than the Bee store. Mc Donalds was the first fastfood established here. First Mc Cafe outside Manila, And free WiFi for your daily mail check!

And for some more food fix:

1. Manukan Country – Bacolod is known for its mouth-watering grilled chicken known as Inasal. And it’s here where the City’s pride was born. Perfect for dinner. The place is unpretentious. It’s located at the reclamation area. No airconditioning. Dining with bare hands is a must.
2. Chicken Deli & Bacolod Chicken House -These restos are two of the more known upscale version of Manukan Country. One can opt to eat with bare hands like in Manukan or use the spoon and fork.
3. Pala-pala – Manila has its Dampa, while Bacolod has Pala pala. I am not sure though which one is older. When I was a kid, Pala-pala already exists. Located near the provincial capitol. One needs to buy fresh seafood at the wet market then bring it to a pala-pala eatery and have the seafood cooked depending on your choice of cooking.
4. Aboy’s Kamalig – My personal favorite when I was still living in Bacolod. I always love their Grilled Manumbok (Blue Marlin) and Chicken liver/Gizzard Adobo. Located at the far end of Goldenfields Commercial Complex.
5. Pendy’s – My mom’s favourite. She would often tag me along when she craves to have lunch here. I love their chicken dinuguan, and their fried chicken. It’s a kind of fine dine without scratching your budget. Their Napoleones is perfect too!
6. Imay’s & Buto’t Balat – Both resto’s sit side by side along 6th street- Lacson. Both offer Filipino fares. Fresh seafood is always present on their menu. I have tried both restos and I always love their offerings, but as always, I cant pick which one is better.
7. L’Sea and L’Kaisei – I really don’t know what’s with the letter L. Both restaurants are owned by the same people behind the classy L’Fisher Hotel. L’Sea offers Chinese cuisine, while L’Kaisei serves Japanese foods.
8. Mama Maria Pizza – I haven?t tried this yet. But I heard good reviews about this resto. But it’s not really the good flavor that made so much buzz. For once, they claimed to have the largest pizza being served at 36 inches! I really don’t know if you can finish a pizza that big.
9. Calea – One of my personal favorite! A must-not-miss food joint when in Bacolod. Their claim to fame is their sinfully delicious cakes. My personal favourite is Blueberry Cheesecake and their version of Oreo Cheesecake. Both cakes do not use Graham crackers for its base. Instead, they use oats, honey and some whatnot that makes your dining experience truly satisfying.
10. Pepe’s Grill – I have dined here once. Located in Piazza Sorrento, one of the newer hangouts in Bacolod. The pasta and Caesar’s Salad I ordered were simply good. The steamed fish for dinner’s perfect.
11. Bob’s – One of the most loved local restaurants in Bacolod. Bob’s has always been known for their delicious Sate Babe and Cheeseburger. Their Baby Back Ribs is good too!
12. Pietro Kaffee -Located at SM Bacolod. One of the few coffee shops in Bacolod that offers Lavazza coffee. Their pizza is good too. Generous amount of cheese topped with red and green bell peppers and some more magic. Good food at a good price.

So there you go. My 15 picks for that unforgettable Masskara 2008 experience. I have yet to decide on where to eat when I fly there next week. How about you? Have you decided on where to eat already?