Traffic was surprising light along VP Inting Ave in Tagbilaran City. I had become accustomed to a running series of near misses as drivers jockey for every inch of roadway. It was an enjoyable, quiet, uneventful drive to the Lantaw Native Restaurant which sits atop a hill.
The building is large and has 2 large dining areas which have bamboo trim and colorful ceiling streamers. It is also open air, we had a scenic view of the shimmering sea. Also, one could look down and see occasional traffic gliding along VP Inting Avenue. Sticky Philippine heat was kept to a comfortable level because of refrigerator size cooling units and a constant sea breeze.
Tipping is not a Philippine custom, so one has to fetch a waiter for any service in this restaurant. This was easy because they tended to lump near the food counter. At this time of day, it was nearly an empty restaurant. Anyway, we had a waiter seat us, menus and spoons wrapped in a napkin lay on the wooden table. My order was Tuna Belly and Iced Tea (bottomless) and of course rice was the side item. Incredible tea, a delicious treat on this hot day! I tasted several superb teas in the Philippines. My tuna was average as Philippine food tends to be bland. The tuna was served on a plate with a green leaf bed with a pork (fork) without a knife. My cousin and his wife laughed when they noticed the globed tea glass was actually a mayonnaise jar.
The food was average, tea and scenery were superb. read more
