DelishTreat: Zabadani

05.18.13

Our beloved priest and friend Ismael Jose Chan- Gonzaga, SJ was in town and it was so unfortunate that I have to back out from our planned trip to Paradise Island because it was such a freaky Friday [please click on the link to read my previous post] for me. Luckily, I still had the chance to see him with Michelle and Anper for a Saturdate. We all agreed to have a dinner at The Peak of Gaisano Mall of Davao because none of us has been there. So for first timers, Michelle's older sister recommended Zabadani, a Middle-Eastern restaurant.

It was my first to eat at this Davao- grown restaurant and  I was intrigued by the aromatic and delectable taste of their food that I was able to consume a whole plate without noticing. My personal favorite were the Pita Cheese sticks and the Garlicy Ribs which we upgraded with Biryani rice.

pita cheese stick for Php140

Garlicy Ribs for Php 240+

One thing I appreciate from Zabadani is that they offer large servings. We ordered four large plates and it was more than enough for a table of six (and mind you we can eat a lot but they got us full). 

Syrian Beef Squares with Biryani rice

Grilled Chicken Breast with White rice

It was an added treat to find out that we run the same circle with the restaurant's owner. Wadi gave us complimentary drinks. The yogurt shake was refreshing. I had a heavenly foodie experience at Zabadani and I will surely come back to try their other offering. 

IJ with Wadi

coffee shot 

yogurt shake

the smile says it all.

I went home not only with a happy tummy but also with a grateful heart. There are just so many things to be thankful for. First, we were drawn to The Peak which has a beautiful ambiance (i will try the other restaurants soon). Second, trying something new is not bad after all. Zabadani made me appreciate more the food of other culture. I realized that going out of your comfort zone can be healthy too. Lastly, the place became more enticing and the food tasted more succulent because it was shared with people whom you value the most. These people you call your friends. That night was not just a celebration of good food, appreciation of culture but most of all valuing God's greatest blessing to humankind... FRIENDSHIP!

(L-R) Mark, Anper, IJ, Michelle, Karen

(L-R) Mark, Anper, IJ, Nonoy, Michelle

Our Halloween 2012

The girls have not been joining the bandwagon during Halloween. So, instead of putting on a costume and going trick or treat, this year we decided to head to the beach and enjoy the sun. We went to the white beach Paradise Island and Beach Resort located at Island Garden City of Samal.

There were few people in the resort which made the place serene and more apt for a family bonding. 

daddy's girls

mamo and ate may

music chillin'

And for the first time, Jessica and Lena tried the Power Paddle which costs Php 120 for 30 minutes.

life vest to be safe


road test.

                                     

 now having so much fun!

Then, the girls decided to visit the playground and I was surprised how their playground has improved over the years. 

bars and slides

                                                                                                          swing

seesaw

And because the sun and the beach are not so much for us, our next stop was at the new SM Lanang Premier. Our mall visit was such a treat because SM offered so much for the kids and adults too. The mall staff are in costume which made shopping extra fun. 

giant pumpkin

bumble bee

Winnie the pooh and friends

avatar which made Lena very scared

character i do not know #1

character i do not know #2

character i do not know #3

animaland

scarecrow

Frankenstein, look what you did to their smiles!

Before going home, we ate our dinner at Tokyo Tokyo which is located at the 3rd Floor of SM Lanang Premier. Mamo, Nonoy and I are big fans of Japanese food and Tokyo Tokyo offers Japanese food for the price of a fast food chain. 

Up: California Maki; Down: Spicy Beef Maki Php 99 for 8 pcs

Katsudon for Php 85

Prawns and Veggie + California Maki Bento Meal for Php 185

It has been a fun-filled Halloween celebration for the family. We went home tired but very happy. Next year, I am thinking of letting the girls join the bandwagon: Lena as Black Widow and Me as Pepper Potts.