On our first day in Bluewater Panglao, we concentrated on Boholano cuisine. On our second day, we opted to savor another Visayan specialty – fresh seafoods. In Manila, you have to spend a fortune for some frozen, hot-off-the-trailer crustaceans. In Bohol, or anywhere in Visayas for that matter, seafoods are not only abundant, but are also very affordable.
At Aplaya, there are aquariums full of live seafood where you can choose from. Mud crabs, myriad kinds of fishes, clams, oysters, prawns and many more. Just select a “victim” and choose from a plethora of cooking options to choose from. We decided to get a mud crab, cooked Singaporean-style, and baked oysters.
While waiting for our mains, I savored a warm bowl of potato and leek soup. The rich and creamy soup teased my appetite and prepared my tummy for a feast happening later on.
When our appetizer came in, I can’t help but munch on it as soon as it landed on our table! The baked oysters are so succulent. You can also have it steamed or kinilaw (ceviche, marinated raw in vinegar) if that is your thing. Since hubby doesn’t like it raw, and since I love cheese, the baked option was perfect for us!
And now, the piece de resistance…..hot and spicy Singaporean chili mud crab! We did not waste a single second and we literally attacked the poor crab. Cracking it off was a challenge but once you have its soft meat in the savory sauce, you’ll forget to even use the cracker! Beneath the carapace was a spoonful of aligue (crab fat), which I liberally dabbed on my steamed rice.
We also ordered Seafood Tempura composed of crispy battered squid, prawns, fish and other veggies. It has pickled okra on the side.
While feasting on seafoods, we can;t help but order our favorite – the iconic Bluewater Adobo Rice. The serving is enough for two to three people. It was a year since I last had this scrumptious adobo rice and I must say it still has its old, delectable charm. Never leave any of the Bluewater resorts without saying hello to adobo rice.
Bluewater Panglao is not just a resort, it’s a epicurean haven. As I write this entry, I still think of that giant, spicy crab. C’est la vie!
Special thanks to Ms. Margie Munsayac for making our stay at Bluewater Panglao all worthwhile.
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For reservations, please contact:
BLUEWATER PANGLAO
BEACH RESORT
Danao, Panglao Island
Bohol, Philippines 6340
Phone: (63 38) 416 0695 or 416 0696
Fax: (63 38) 416 0697
panglao@bluewater.com.ph
MANILA SALES OFFICE
Rm. 704 Cityland Herrera Tower
Rufino cor. Valero Sts., Salcedo Village
Makati City, Philippines
Phone: (63 2) 817-5751 / 887-1348
Fax: (63 2) 893-5391
Travelogues by Matet Garcia-Reyes 