Davao Delicious

Lachi’s has been around for several years now, but I’ve never been there until tonight. Thanks to Ria, who brought three of The Usual Suspects to dinner, I’ve finally sampled their exquisite cooking. Ria got an item on her Christmas wish list fulfilled when Mike & Melvin Aviles, proprietors of Lachi’s, invited her and some friends to the restaurant.

What I’ve always heard when people talk about Lachi’s are their pastries. Come to think of it, part of the establishment’s name reads “Sans Rival, Atbp.” [Andrew took these photos.]

The sign outside the modest little restaurant says “Lachi’s / only the finest ingredients.” Seeing that, I subconsciously set my expectations to a higher-than-usual level. And I was not disappointed. Fact is, I was totally impressed with their food. I had the Unforgettable Grilled Pork Ribs (P90). It’s definitely unforgettable… but you’re in danger of forgetting your own name when you eat this! The meat was grilled to perfection, and flavored just so. I’m at a loss for words, really. It’s one of the best ribs I’ve had in town!

Tofu being one of my favorite foods, I’d wanted to have the Breaded Soft Tofu with Teriyaki Sauce (P67) as a side dish, but too bad, it was out of stock. Ria said it’s really good — I suppose that’s why it wasn’t available anymore.

Andrew had Grilled Pork Chops (P48) and Pork Marinara (P67), which he reluctantly shared with us. At first I thought it strange to have breaded pork strips with spaghetti, but upon taste-testing it, all skepticism vanished. It’s a must-try!

Ria ordered the Crispy Lechon Kawali (P78). It doesn’t look very appetizing in the photo, I know, but Ria swears by the dish. Eaten together with Lachi’s Laing, it’s as delectably Filipino as you can get.

Winston, who was also a first timer like me, ordered the Stuffed Chicken with Pineapple Sauce (P87). See, any food with pineapple in it, I don’t like, so I didn’t bother even trying it.

What we had are all Tummy Warmers, which are served with rice and pickled cucumber. The prices are amazingly affordable, considering the ample servings and the lip-smacking goodness of their dishes.

Then for dessert, Mike Aviles treated us to their old-time favorites and a couple of new pastries. Lachi’s Sans Rival (P48/pc) is verifiably without rival hereabouts. It was sinfully good! The Strawberry Shortcake (P75/pc) didn’t last long either — blame The Usual Suspects! The Symphony Torte is actually a good dessert choice too… but it didn’t measure up to the level of the shortcake.

What’s new on the dessert tray (actually, a humongous refrigerator) is the New York Cheesecake (P72), which has both blueberries and cherries. It’s baked, according to Ria. And then there’s the Crème Brûlée (unbelievably only P40 per slice). It lasted all of two minutes in front of us. It was rich but not sweet — totally guilt-free!

Even the service is good. The only thing is, the place is so small. I’m sure it gets jam-packed for lunch and dinner. Lachi’s is open on weekdays from 10 AM to 8 PM, and on Saturdays, from 11 AM to 8 PM. Unfortunately, they’re closed on Sundays.

The restaurant is in that complex where there are other food establishments, as well as a pre-school called Values. It’s on the corner of Ruby and Sapphire Sts., Marfori Heights, Davao City. Tel.: (82)224-5552.

Tags: Filipino, pastries, sans rival

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