Are you too late for breakfast yet too early for lunch - then it's time for a brunch. But at Dova Brunch Cafe in Lapaz you'll get more than breakfast staples and lunch specialties. (And it is even open until late night!)
At the helm is one of Iloilo's most celebrated chefs, Miguel Cordova. And yes, the cafe's name takes the last two syllables of the family's last name that is synonymous with Afriques and Esca's, among others.
Simple interiors dotted with wooden furniture add to the cafe's "homeyness". But it can get crowded during lunch and dinner hours. Good thing we were there around 2pm and the lunch crowd was thinning and minutes after, we had the place almost to ourselves.
Compared with Afrique's and Esca's, Dova's menu is somewhat more sophisticated. With "brunch" in my mind, there are pancakes, waffles and french toasts that come with fruits and meat. Salads and appetizers as well as burgers and other sandwiches
Dova Brunch Cafe's Specialties. See larger imager |
But those looking for heavier and meatier selections, Dova has pasta and some pork, chicken and beef specialties. And just recently, it launched additional items for its sandwiches and "main dishes" menu.
But having eaten at a previous event - Samsung Digital Appliance Fair, I just opted for what I though suppose to be light "dessert" - French Toasts.
But came two large slices of sweet smelling and eventually delectable French Toasts with Strawberry, Bananas , Cream and Whipped Butter,
The toasts were thick and big and it satisfied my weeks long craving for French Toasts. And no matter how full I was, slowly but surely, they just disappeared in front of me.
Other orders that found themselves on our table were the Pulled Pork Sandwich which would have been my order if I had not felt full. It has tasty pork shreds and cabbage slaw on a brioche bun and served with potato wedges.
Another specialty of the house are Waffles with the same "sides" as my toasts. It may also come simple just with butter and maple syrup or with bacon and sausage.
Among their appetizers is a "collection" of nachos, breads and vegetable sticks that comes with a Cheese and Truffle dip - perfect to start any gastronomic adventure.
And as if my French Toasts weren't that heavy, I had Strawberry Smoothie to wash away all of these easily.
Opened just a few months ago, Dova Brunch Cafe emerged as among the biggest happenings in the Iloilo gastronomic scene. It seems everyone was talking about their experience - good food, SRO crowd during peak hours and good food, once again. And this time, its me that's talking!
Dova Brunch Cafe
122 Javellana Street, Lapaz, Iloilo City
(Lapaz Plaz near the Lapaz Church and across the tennis courts)
Tel. No. (033) 503-3242
Opens daily from 9am to 9pm