Visiting Rego's Cafe Again

Change is an integral part of our lives. You have to deal with these changes and cope with them if you want to survive. But change can be a scary thing. I am always anxious about changes in my life. And the same thing applies with my food choices. I get readily scared to try out something new in fear that it might not be as good as what I'm used to. I find myself going to the same restaurant over and over again to the point that the staff recognize me personally, if not by name at least by face. 

Before Rego's Cafe moved to Gaisano Mall The Peak, they were situated at Arellano Street, Jacinto Ext. Davao City. Even though that is still near downtown area, it is not part of our usual route. And yet, that did not stop us from dropping by every few months especially when I do get some cravings for their famed pasta dishes.

Surprisingly, a recent visit to Rego's Cafe did not consist of any pasta meal on our table, though. It was all about comfort food items! It was also nice to vary things up so we do not end up eating the same dishes repeatedly whenever we dine at Rego's.

Chili Con Carne - Good but far from great. Aling Foping's Chili con Carne is still the best with De Bonte Koe's being a close second. There were more ground beef in this Chili con Carne than beans - there should be an equal ratio of both ingredients. The sauce did not redeem it either because it was rather so-so. And the serving size was even disappointing for the price! It's one of those times wherein we seriously question whether it's worth taking a risk ordering new items rather than sticking with the ones we've tried before. Lessons learned.

Also Read: Aling Foping's Chili Con Carne

Gambas al Aljillo - This was another disappointing choice. I cook Gambas at home all the time and I can proudly say mine is better! I was happy with the size of the shrimps, though - that was the redeeming quality of this dish for me. And the plating was not bad at all.

This last dish we got was Rego's own version of Fish 'N Chips. A tiny tray comes with a serving of French fries and battered chicken fillet. Surprisingly, this might be the best out of the three dishes we've ordered. The batter on the chicken fillet is light enough that we can chew on the meat but it has maintained that crunchy texture to it. Both the meat and fries were also well seasoned. The only downside is that this was supposed to be an appetizer. However, this was the last dish served on our table. Was it supposed to be dessert, then?

What is your favorite dish at Rego's Cafe?

Stay Connected!

Rego's Cafe Opens at The Peak

When in search of the best pasta in Davao, you can depend on Rego’s Café to deliver. Since a colleague introduced me to Rego’s, it has been my favorite and one of my go-to places to eat. It was located in Valencia Corporate Center in Arellano St. near Central Bank, which is outside our usual route, so getting there usually takes effort and planning beforehand. But this is something that we’d gladly take on just to experience their delectable pasta dishes.

Hence, it was a welcome surprise when I saw the tarp on one of the then-under renovation spot at Gaisano Mall’s The Peak and it had Rego’s name on it. When we returned there last Friday, we realized that they’ve already opened. We did not think twice about dining there because it has been a while, too, since we last did.

First off, I got to note the ambiance that looks very warm and playful. It somehow managed to recreate the same cozy atmosphere they had from their former and original branch.

The meal started off with their Chicken Caesar & Cranberries. We ordered solo for PhP 130, which isn’t the best Caesar’s salad I had (which was surprising since I was blown away the last time I ordered this same salad from Leafy Green Things before) but the cranberries redeemed it for me. 

We also had Rego’s Porked Bellies for PhP 135. This is one of many value meals offered on their menu wherein you can also get a glass of iced tea to go with your order. And of course, you can’t go to Rego’s without trying out their pasta. I went with Merlot’s Pasta, which is priced at PhP 195 for a regular size (there's solo and family, too). This is my favorite part of the meal. The tanginess from the marinara sauce gave this dish a kick to it. Plus, the Hungarian sausage and basil helped render additional layers of flavor into the pasta dish.

Rego's Porked Bellies

Merlot's Pasta

We went home full and satisfied that night. What a way to reward ourselves after a tiring work week!

Note: Pardon the quality of the photos as they were taken only using my Nokia phone. I'll try to go back soon and get more quality photos!