Foodie's wish list

For the past three years of being a food blogger, my foodie wish list has lengthened to see “this and that” branch out to Iloilo City. Not that Iloilo lacks quality restaurants; it’s just that having popular brands enter our city would give a go signal for bigger developments in all aspects not only in the dining scene.

FAST FOOD

To start with, Wendy’s is an all time favorite fast food though it will be considered sort of high end. But every bite (those juicy burgers) and every sip (biggie iced tea please!) would be all worth it.

Burger King is another fast food I would love to see in Iloilo. Flame-grilled burgers that give distinct taste and aroma plus the novelty of the getting-your-own-bottomless-drink, makes it more than gastronomic experience.

Yoshinoya would be a good addition to the fast food selection in the city especially if Ilonggos can discover its beef bowl. Thin and flavourful beef slices seasoned with spices and placed on top of steaming rice – it’s really heaven in a bowl!

In the same concept would be Teriyaki Boy and Tokyo Tokyo. Japanese specialties served fast food is no stranger to Iloilo City but with the entry of more of them would surely increase the level of competition, thus more promos (hopefully) on top of quality food and service.

MORE BUFFETS

Buffets in Iloilo are mostly associated with those inside hotels. I love going to Cabalen, and Kamay Kainan when in Manila for they offer a lot of Filipino favorites in a casual setting (mostly in the malls).

But on special occasions, I often find myself at the ultimate/crossover buffet of Dad’s, Kamayan and Saisaki - a mix of Continental, Filipino and Japanese buffets and one can jump from one setting to another.

FOODIES SPEAK

I asked some Ilonggo foodies what’s on their wish list and they hungrily respond.

I simply love cheesecakes ever since I tasted the homemade blueberry cheesecake. My palate then learned to like different variations of it - with mango, strawberry, choco Oreo, peach and a lot more. Thus, one of my wishes is to see a branch of Cheesecakes Etc. in Iloilo City. I was lucky I got to eat one of their cheesecakes when I was in Davao. - CLAIRE PONSARAN | Freelance Writer/Link Builder

I want a few more fast food franchises like Burger King, Wendy's, and Taco Bell so that junkies can enjoy more variety. It would be great if Subway can make a comeback, because I think Ilonggo foodies will now be more appreciative of its sandwich offerings (albeit a bit expensive). Also, a Filipino restaurant that does not focus on serving only Ilonggo fare would be great. I want to sample the other dishes of the Philippines!

I love sushi, sashimi and other specialties so I want more Japanese restaurants to branch out in Iloilo City particularly Kimpura or Saisaki.
- ANA CHUASIENG | Retail Store Manager

I would really love Cyma to branch out here. Iloilo certainly lacks Mediterranean cuisine in its gastronomic offerings and local restaurants can't quite match up. Eating there might burn a hole in your pocket but every peso spent is very much worth it. My favorites are Roca salata, hummus with pita, paidakia, shish kebab and gyro.
- EFRENEFREN | Jump shot addict/Freelance photographer

Taters! I want that in the cinemas. All those potato goodness in their Munchers, I definitely want more!
- JUNELLE CARAVANA | A “glutton” but trying to be the biggest loser

It would be nice to have Burgoo here. I used to indulge in their burgers, pastas and pizza during salary days in Manila. I know it’s a bit pricey but the quality is well worth it. Their burgers are large and flavorful plus it’s not “bitin”. Aside from the usual Italian cuisine, there’s a wide selection of seafood and barbequed dishes. Plus you can actually doodle on the paper table cloth with crayons provided while waiting for the food to be served.

Steakhouses like Racks, Dad’s and TGI Fridays - I visit them always when I’m in Manila so it would be nice to have them here in Iloilo
-REXCEL SORZA | Executive Producer of Arangkada, GMA TV-6 Iloilo

WISH COME TRUE?

Last May, I was able witness the groundbreaking rites of Megaworld’s multibillion peso “Iloilo Business Park”. In two years time, the old airport will be transformed into a commercial hub that includes a hotel, BPO buildings and a strip mall, among others.

Two weeks later, I was a part of a discussion forum, commissioned by another big business developer, getting the vibes of the locals on the feasibility of having yet another center for shopping, leisure, entertainment in Iloilo City.

With these big developments in Iloilo City, it’s like having a real life genie to grant our every wish. What’s in our list would hopefully soon become a reality. And expect one of us foodies to be the first in line at Krispy Kreme, if ever, for they are usually giving out a year’s supply of doughnuts to their first customer. No, it has to be me!

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FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

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