Dulce Manos Café. It’s one of those places where you can expect home-made cooking goodness. It’s a cozy affair — about 6 intimate tables inside and 4 larger ones out front (al fresco) — which adds to the homey ambience of this new café in town. When my friend Rochelle told me about it the other night, right away I had a good feeling about it, so off we went to Dulce Manos for dinner.
Although the place is still rough around the edges, the unobtrusive friendliness of the proprietors gives it a charm that’s rare hereabouts. They opened only last 10 December, so they haven’t quite gotten their sea legs yet, so to speak. But the food! Oh boy, the food is awe-inspiring.
I highly recommend their Shrimp in Alavar Sauce with Rice (P65), which I had last night. The large pieces of shrimp were cooked to sweet perfection and doused in sinful sauce of aligi ng alimango (crab paste). And the rice was steamed just right, which added to the delightfulness of the dish. I would’ve paid more for it — if only they’d put more shrimp…
Another in our party, Mae, had the awesome Lechon Kawali with Rice (P60). The serving was so big Rochelle and I had to help her finish it. Not that I was complaining — it was so good. It was chewy and yet very tender, with just enough crispiness for that enjoyable eating experience.
The Sizzling Sisig with Rice (P65) didn’t live up to expectation, however. It wasn’t bad at all, just not to my taste. In the end, though, I still finished it off. 
Alex was also with us, but he’d already eaten, so he just had coffee, Dulce Manos’ Café Naranja (P60). It had a refreshing aroma and tasted slightly like pomelo juice. Their Café Americano (P55), now that’s something else — I had two mugs.
Lalaine the proprietress graciously let us try their house specialty: Chocolate Moist Cake (P75). It was very rich and melted in the mouth on contact. One serving is actually a baby cake and is good for two. I loved it because it’s not the kind with icing that sticks to your palate, and the cake itself is so heavenly moist. What I look for in in chocolate cakes is that lovely bitter taste, but it wasn’t there. Still, at least it wasn’t too sweet, and the consistency of the cake was wonderful.
Lalaine explained that their original plan was only for a coffee and pastry shop, since baking is her real specialty. Her hubby, Alain, looks to be comfortable in the kitchen himself. He also took a barrista course. It’s a good thing their friends inspired them to include mouth-watering main course dishes.
We had a pleasant time getting to know Lalaine & Alain, and their friends Chato & Boyet, so much so that Alex and I forgot the time! We were there till midnight. Dulce Manos is open 10 AM to 2 AM, but is closed Sundays.
They also have a small function room upstairs. According to Lalaine, it can accommodate up to a maximum of 30 people. For reservations, please call (82)301-8780.
Dulce Manos Café is on Juan Luna St., near the corner of Juan dela Cruz St. You can reach it from the Ateneo de Davao college campus: on Jacinto St., turn right before the campus gate to Juan Luna; go past the intersection, and you’ll see the café on your left.
Try sumptuous food prepared by sweet hands soon!
