Definitely not Baguio as you think.....but Bukidnon's Del Monte Clubhouse

Early morning mists of late December greeted us while the roads are still damp from the midnight dews and the natural scent of grassland prevails. This is one of those times when lads can freely lie and roll over to play without fear of being ran down by passing vehicles as we braved the mountainous roadtrip towards this province in the sky. Packed with a brief but refreshing sleep from the only decent hotel in Malaybalay few hours before, our stomach starts to growl at the thought of gastronomic delight ahead. It was a recommendation from a famous food magazine, plus the so much hype from people we knew who passed by this side of the country...well at least to see and taste is to believe.

Two long hours later ...

At Z-Beryani's

At the end of the well cemented stretch of Nunez extension is an entertainment plaza which houses KFC, Coffee Mix (local's version of Starbucks) and the Iranian resto owned by a

a good friend. Dining out being the only form of entertainment i have to be contented myself with, i have prided myself to be more or less "expert" to what and where to invite visitors from Manila to eat.

So, i'm not exagerrating if i said that i have tried all the restaurants locally.. You can just imagine how boring life would be, if you're all alone in your loft, cooking for yourself.. its a routine i am not looking forward to..so it is now my duty to share this restaurant before it suffers the same fate of the dodo..Fine-dining restos had very short half life in this part of the world..

Beryani, as the name sounds, is a Persian restaurant. The owner is a connossieur of excellent cuisine, and while reminiscing his years of doctorate training in Manila, his family frequents a Persian restaurant where they serve the best Rotti bread, that's why he thought of bringing this exotic food home.

In terms of ambience, every visitors would be greeted by the calming sound of waters cascading down their interior fountain. Although this corner houses at least 7 tables, the mirror and glass partition made an anti-claustrophobic effect. The well-lit interior with light green, yellow and pink rose shades plus the antique Asian decore would make you feel you're somewhere in North Africa.

The food vary from chicken or beef kebab, rotti bread, humus ( spicy mashed beans) to their specialty chicken Beryani. Somewhat deceitful, because after a few mouthfuls you feel satisfied already..but when u go home a few minutes later...you feel hunger pangs again..

Is that a good sign? It must be because of that special rice.. really not sure.

The crowd is varied. Sometimes you feel that youre in a foreign country: Turkey perhaps, when a party of 10 or so Turkish would dine out with their characteristic separated dining of men from women. Or the very colourful garbs by religious Tausug or the occasionally fearful all-dark ninja style costumes of ultra-sensitive and religious Moslem women.

What about the price? Its a little expensive by local standard, but if you're just a visitor from the Big city, well its still considered cheap..

Definitely, this restaurant would be remembered...just like the dodo.