When in Boracay, eat local: Zuzuni's Mati Chocolate Sin

I've passed by Zuzuni so many times whenever I'm in Boracay but never bothered to check the place out. Located in Station 2 near Havaianas, this place has always caught my eye mostly because of the all white facade and bright interiors plus the promise of authentic Greek food.

Jake and I finally checked the place out last May to try their desserts. I always associate Greek desserts with flour-less chocolate cakes and Zuzuni's Mati Chocolate Sin was no exception. Lo and behold: 

They bake the cake upon ordering and you get this warm, straight from the oven, rich Valrhona cake served with Vanilla ice cream. Valrhona chocolate is my favorite kind on a cake and I loved the richness of this dish. Priced at P250 for a personal-sized cake, I felt it could have been a bit bigger for sharing. Offhand, it was a bit gooey on the inside and I had hoped for a smoother feel but this is a must-try for any chocolate lover on the island.

Since it was mid-afternoon on a hot, summer day, I was itching for a cold latte. They recommended their namesake cappuccino, the Zuzuni Freddo Cappuccino (at only Php 90!) which was a Mediterranean specialty. Basically, it's sweetened, chilled espresso topped with frothy milk. I loved the rich dark golden brown color and it was strong enough to keep me going for the rest of the day (and night). 

Desserts and coffee by the beach always make me a happy girl! Also, just found out that the restaurant is part of the Zuzuni Boutique hotel, which can be pretty cool if they also have Greek-inspired rooms ala Manos Greek Taverna Hotel in Tagaytay. Check out their website below!

Zuzuni
Station 1, Boracay
+63 36 288 4477

When in Boracay, eat local: Kasbah

It's unusually rainy for November and I woke up wishing I was at the beach. I also watched a Moroccan travel special last night and woke up wishing I'll have Moroccan food for lunch. Given the slim choices for Moroccan cuisine here in Manila, I'd have to satisfy my hungry belly with this post about Kasbah from our last Laboracay trip.

When in Boracay, eat local - is what I always say. Cheap guilty pleasures at Andok's are forgivable, but I always make it a point to visit the restaurants which can only be found on the island. Although Aria and Kasbah now have branches at Fort, I think there's still something to be said about eating at the original Boracay branches with a view of the sea.

Kasbah is known for its Moroccan food and colorful pillows dotting the powder white shores of Boracay in the quieter part of Station 1. Since we stayed at Residencia, we were right beside the place and didn't have to wait too long to get a free table. 

However, because we were there for the Labor Day weekend, the place was packed and service was exceptionally crappy. I was with five hungry boys on a scorching day and we were mildly pissed at having to wait too long to get our iced teas and appetizers. Thank goodness they can make a good hummus, it made up for the long wait.

Although the menu is quite pricey, the good thing is that most items are good for two to three people. Some of the boys ordered kebabs (I forgot if it was lamb or beef), while the rest of us ordered two tagine -- a slow cooked stew that comes in a colorful pot. I knew I had to order one since I just saw a Moroccan food guide on TLC before we left. 

I kind of wish the waiter left the pot lid for us to play with after he served our tagine. It would have been fun to take more pictures of the exotic-looking dish with complete props. 

Kasbah gives you the option to order a solo or for sharing tagine. We ordered one kefta tagine for sharing, which was more than enough for four people. The others ordered the solo tagine which was huge enough for two hungry boys.

Our kefta meatballs were tender and I can't even begin to describe the flavors of the stew which ranged from spicy to sweet, the kind that can only be achieved with a slow-cooking process. It was worth the loooong wait!

And look at this! What a creative way to turn an otherwise shabby washing area into something cute and pretty!

Kasbah
Station 1, Boracay
(beside Discovery Shores)
(036) 288 4790

Island dogs and puka shells

I tune in to the wind, the sea, and I begin to breathe easier.

-Nina Ramsey

Every time I find myself in Boracay, I always make it a point to visit my favorite place on the island: Puka Beach. I'd live there if I could.

The last time we were there for Labor Day weekend, Jake and I stole away from the group on our last morning and went off to Puka. We met this friendly dog who was just happily contented to roll her tongue out at me as I took her photos.

I love island dogs. Every dog I've met on a beach has always been friendly to me. Jake and I will always miss Friday--the sweet golden retriever who's always been a staple on White Beach.

Why do I love Puka? I love the blue water and crystal sand plus the forest behind you. I love the seclusion, especially in the early hours of the morning. There's nowhere else I'd rather be in Boracay.

Hiatus

It's been a while since I blogged about anything. If anything, this has been shaping up to be a great summer--all tragedies aside. I can't wait to blog once again and end this 3-month hiatus.

Meanwhile, a sneak peek:

Staring at the seashell waiting for it to embrace me

I almost forgot how tiring Friday night classes can get; and today was a particularly stressful one, work-wise. So here I am, de-stressing myself with happy thoughts of Boracay and to finally finish sharing our trip's highlights.

You know, thoughts of coffee, omelets, and calamansi muffins for breakfast.

Calming memories of getting a massage on the roof deck with an awesome view of the beach.

Happy thoughts of lemon cheesecakes and mango madness at Lemon iCafe with my favorite boys. Or getting to walk around in nothing but a bikini and no one gives a shiz.

 wearing Topshop bikini

Sigh. Why can't I just live near the sea, wear Topshop bikinis, and live la bohème life?

Bros in sombreros!

A trip to le isla boheme is never complete without grabbing lunch at Mañana! I've been craving a decent quesadilla and can't find anything here in Manila that's as good as Mañana's, ya know 'cause Ristra's just doesn't cut it for me anymore.

And the best part about eating there? SOMBREROS FOR MI AMIGOS!

We worked those sombreros. Never mind the heat! We looked like stupid fools but as I like to preach: who cares? Who's lookin'?

wearing Mango cover up

(No, those are not my boobs. My bikini straps were WEIRD.) 

The boys had burritos and chimichangas, I was muy satisfecho with my ham and cheese quesadillas! Muy perfecta, as always. I was a happy girl.

And since I'm out of Spanish phrases to throw around, adios lovers!

Puka Beach sunset funset!

Island hopping in Boracay is never a sure deal. The boat pimps, as I like to call them, always say yes to your requests of all the islands you'd like to see. Me, I was pretty reasonable when I asked for only Baling Hai, Puka Beach, and a bit of snorkeling at Crocodile Island. The other islands are overrated and frankly, I'd rather hire a boat to spend the whole day at Puka Beach if given the chance.

I was not disappointed when our actual boatman started whining about how far Baling Hai is and how the waves are too yada yada yada. I was pretty pissed by the time he dropped us off in the middle of nowhere to snorkel and only passed by Crocodile Island in an attempt to show us how it's shaped like a crocodile, despite our protests that we should be snorkeling there 'cause that's where the good corals are. No, he set off determinedly to Puka Beach with a reminder that we only had an hour to frolic about. Ass.

Good thing we were all about enjoying the company and making the most out of the snorkeling and boating. Have you tried laughing underwater with a snorkel mask on? Don't, but it's funny. 

In between waving at the other boats and pretending they're terrorists, the boys were a good distraction from my annoyance at the boatman (and at not seeing my hot bartender at Baling Hai). Good times.

When we set foot on Puka Beach, we decided to ditch our boat and just hire tricycles back to Station 1. Best move ever! We stayed there until sunset and had the beach almost to ourselves.

I always keep coming back here, if for no other reason than to see the clear blue water and the puka sand. It's always quiet in Puka and the forest by the beach gives off a feeling of being stranded on a secret island.

JO wanted to see Pacquiao's mansion and left with the boat on the way back. It was a funny sight waving at him as he sailed off into the sunset.

And the rest of the boys started splashing and playing around, looking for huge shells to throw at the water and at each other. Call me taong bundok, but it was my first time to see someone successfully skip stones across the water. After that bit, they resorted to a stone throwing contest.

It's still a funny thought whenever I remember the jump shots and the gay silhouette poses.

And THAT is how you watch the sunset (funset).

Hey I heard you were a wild one

Sand and roof deck parties.

 wearing Topshop top, denim shorts from tiangge

Running inside District when it starts to rain at exactly 2 am every night.

Learning to waterproof our wallets and phones the night after.

So we can drink and shiver under the rain.

Armed with mango banana shakes while sleepless at 5am.

 wearing Zara top, American Eagle denim shorts

Ready to watch the sunrise then sleep again til noon.