Dos Mestizos: A Good Find in Boracay

Been going to Boracay almost every summer for the past years but it was only this recently that I discovered a treasure of a place where good eats await. I have tried restaurants along the beach from stations 1 thru 3 and within D'Mall, but I never explored those quaint establishments in the alleys until my trip this summer for the AXN Big Challenge and DJ Fest events.

Calle Remedios

Dos Mestizos is located between stations 2 and 3, behind the Tourist Center and since the tricycles were not permitted to enter the alley from the main road, one would have to do a 10-minute to reach the place. The brainchild of Binggoy Remedios, a well respected chef and restaurateur in Boracay, and Jose Ramon Valdes Nieto, his close childhood friend, the restaurant's exterior gives hints of the Spanish theme -- from the colored tiles to the wooden structures typical of Mediterranean houses.

Dos Mestizos Restaurant

They also have a deli and bakery where they sell freshly baked breads (yes, they bake their own yummy breads).

Gusto Y Gustos Deli

But wait until you step inside and be immediately transported to the modern-dramatic but cozy interiors. Pretty colored plates and tiles, and a Philippine map mural (painted counter-clockwise) adorn the walls giving contrast to the dark wood furnishings.

Dos Mestizos interiors

They also offer wines for romantic evenings and celebrations which they store in a separate room -- a cellar-cum-meeting room.

Wine selections

Then it was time to have lunch, the much awaited part. As indicated in their menu, they want customers to begin their dining experience by going through the offerings which can be best described as "gusto y gustos de dos mestizos" -- that they offer a selection of dishes that have been a part of our growing up years, done with care and expertise.

Their own freshly baked breads

For starters, there was the bread with dips and the Caesar salad that was so creamy yet light, and the greens were so fresh they crunch with each bite.

Ensalada de Cesar (Traditional Caesar Salad)

For more appetizers, there was the Spanish menu staple -- a bowl of olives and Albondigas. The meatballs were firmly rounded but was surprisingly easy to bite and so yummy, one isn't enough!

Aceitunas Verdes Alinadas (Olives aged in Oil and Garlic)

Albondigas (Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)

Tried this unappetizing-looking dish of anchovies in olive oil and garlic -- it was pure heaven! The fish meat was tender with no hint of fishiness whatsoever. Served warm, it was the perfect healthy comfort food.

Boquerones en Vinagre (Fresh Anchovies aged in Vinaigrette)

Then came the much awaited Paella, a Spanish dish made of sticky rice with sliced hard boiled eggs, veggies and seafood (and sometimes chicken and pork). This I ate with much gusto! The serving included a generous amount of fresh seafood and the rice was cooked and seasoned just right.

Paella de Mariscos (Fresh Seafood Paella)

All these happened on our second to the last day in the island of Boracay and was made possible by the lovely Denise Manahan.

Summer ladies (l-r): Me, Joy & Denise Manahan

I am definitely going back to Boaracay and Dos Mestizos to try their selection of excellent Tapas, hopefully with my family.