MOST OFTEN, we seek for solitude in the most unorthodox of places – and ways. At times, food acts as our end all and be all without realising it. With a surfeit of dining places and gastro pubs in the city, no one can blame our transformation into more than just a foodie but a food lover to the core.
Located not in the heart of the city, not even inside a mall, Cena is one of the many best reasons to explore Davao’s south side. Serving an array of American-Italian and international fusion dishes, Cena is just a stone throws away from SM City Davao at Ecoland. To state, CENA Modern Bistro is Home Crest Hotel’s in-house restaurant.
At Cena, one can expect a palate adventure like no other. Their menu, since the last time I visited, has plumped up with the addition of new dishes. As always, their menu is not complicated and very inviting to the senses. More so, their menu is very diverse in terms of dishes and flavours.
Despite the new additions on the menu, Cena keeps their promise of serving nothing but good quality food perfect for sharing. Yup, for as long as I can remember, their plated meals are made especially for when you are dining with friends, family or significant other. The diversity in choices make them an utmost option for when you want to get away from typical restaurant staples and have an explosive dining experience.
Flavoured with passion, Cena never fails to incorporate local fresh produce that is an abundance in the city. Their bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup is made up of pureed fresh tomatoes that takes worries away in an instant. It’s thick, yes, but thick enough to let you enjoy the clean, fruity taste of tomato. Perfect with bread on the side.
For those looking for some healthy options, Cena’s House Salad is a must. The fresh greens, chunks of corned beef brisket, slices of peaches, sweet caramelised onions and parmesan makes this a full salad than just a mere, well, salad. But what makes this beyond perfect is the house vinaigrette that ties everything together. The rustic kick of balsamic vinegar is always a welcome treat to a craving palate.
On the premise of diverse taste and flavour, their plate of Spaghetti Seafood Aglio Olio is the perfect end to a day of deadlines. The texture from the seafood pieces combined with the aglio olio instantly takes you to a trip in Naples. Paired that with their fresh off the oven Margherita pizza and you’ll be on your way to a dining experience extravaganza. Pizza and pasta together? Equation for perfection. Every single time.
On their menu also are mains, veggies and other dishes that will make your hungry by the minute. The best thing about them is that you get to enjoy your dishes in its entirety – no need to worry about crowded space or outside noise. True, you get to see the streets from the inside but that alone creates a dome of separation that lets you take in every flavour and taste of the dish laid before you.
When dining, don’t be afraid to try on a new dish every time you visit. And always, always have a crowd with you – dining and eating truly is best when shared with the people you love.
Cena Modern Bistro is located at Walnut Avenue, Corner Tulip drive, Ecoland Subdivsion, Davao City
