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

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: