DINING: Hola Espana, Davao

We always have trouble deciding where to eat because there is an abundance of decent restaurants in Davao, so when in doubt, we always just head out to Damosa. Either we find something new, or just go to the few good old standbys in the area.

So in we went to La Hola Espana and my chow partner kim, who was hungrily looking at the showcase loved that it looks so much like an upscale deli with their varied selection of cheeses, cold cuts, European grocery items like pasta, olive oils, and breads.While I, loved their temperature controlled and abundantly stacked wine cellar that boasts of a wide array of reds and whites to compliment the food. They even have a sommelier making me feel like I’m not in the suburbs of a third world country, I’m thoroughly impressed!

The only bad news of the evening is the out of stock paella negra but other than that, I have nothing to complain.

We started with a plate of bruschetta, country style croutons with garlic and olive oil topped with a tasty mushroom mix and bits of jamon. I love the texture of the appetizer, the crunchiness of the bread and the juicy mushrooms combined with a little sweetness of the fat of the fermented meat that was bursting with flavor. There is that tang of garlic that we both love but was not too overpowering on the delicate mushroom taste.

bruschetta

It was followed by chorizo bilbao and pork fried in olive oil and garlic. The pork skin was so crunchy almost like chicharon , the meat was toasted golden brown yet still surprisingly tender. Every bite has that crunch of perfect toasted garlic.

 garlic fried pork chorizo

Entrée was simple after those first two dishes; we shared a plate of chamuscado con fettucini del ajo, seared cream dory served on a bed of garlic fettucini. The fish has the natural sea saltiness that goes well with the garlic laced and olive oil tossed pasta.

 chamuscado con fettucini del ajo

Burp! Oopps, excuse me!:-)

CUISINE: Spanish
PRICE RANGE: php200-2000
LOCATION: Damosa Gateway, Lanang, Davao City

written by MJ