Over the weekend, Brendel and I joined bloggers from Manila, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos City in a food appreciation tour around Davao City.

This year’s edition, ably organized and generously sponsored by Davao Deli and Davao Foodie, is the second iteration of one of the most anticipated blogging events in Davao City.

Davao F.A.T. 2009 kicked off with a blast at Tadakuma, a Japanese restaurant located at the Damosa Business Center in Lanang, Davao City.

I particularly enjoyed the Sukiyaki and the California Maki. The Sukiyaki was perfect as it was raining on the day we went to Tadakuma. I read Sukiyaki is usually served during the cold days of the year in Japan. We also indulged on Atuyaki (tofu-based dish), Yasai Itame (veggies), Gyoza (dumplings), Yakisoba (fried noodles), Chahan (fried rice), and Mixed Sashimi (raw fish and squid).

After the delectable lunch at Tadakuma, the group headed to the Museo Dabawenyo where our Manila guests got a glimpse of Davao City’s cultural heritage.

The following day, the GenSan folks joined the group at Outland Adventure in conquering the Xcelerator –longest and fastest ZipLine in Asia.

Hungry and all pumped-up, the bloggers separated into two groups. Andrew and the Manila folks went to Pepper & Peppers while Brendel, MiGs, and I joined Avel and his GenSan group at Ranchero Grill in Tionko St., Davao City. CDO blogger and wordpress theme designer, ChiQ Montes was also in tow.

Our group was treated to a royal feast at Ranchero Grill. I don’t usually eat pork but with Ranchero Grill‘s succulent Baby Back Ribs, I ate like there was no tomorrow! We also feasted on Ranchero Grill‘s Seafood Platter, Pochero, and the table-sized Angus Feast.

Later in the day, we went to the Davao Crocodile Park for some animal fun and then proceeded to Ram’s Lechon Manok and Seafood Restaurant for dinner. This alfresco restaurant is located along Quimpo Boulevard, Davao City. Restaurant owners, Mr. Ram and Mrs. Ruby Magtoto, were around to make sure we were comfortable and taken care of.

The food at Ram’s Lechon Manok and Seafood Restaurant is very good. Their sizzling squid in teriyaki sauce is heaven-sent and the white marlin sweet & sour fillet is so soft it feels like it’s going to melt in your mouth.

This weekend’s gastronomic adventure wasn’t only about food. It was also a great opportunity for bloggers to meet up, gain new friends, and who would have thought – get engaged!

:-)

Davao F.A.T. Day 2 Photos by Leonard Pe

Davao F.A.T. Day 2 Photos by Kyawster