Foodie Critic: FIRE & ICE GRILL and STEAK BAR

In the late 90's, Anchor Driving Range gained its popularity among the golf enthusiast in General Santos and its neighbors. As years gone by, different management come and go in handling the said establishment. Before the year 2011 ends, the once Anchor Driving Range will be undergoing extreme make over through a new management under the supervision of businessman Mr. Rey Billena, transforming it into GENSAN SPORTS CENTER. Come this 11-11-11, watch out for grand opening of the newest food, sports and wellness center in General Santos City. For you will surely HAVE FUN IN THE URBAN.

Meanwhile, together with the SocSKSarGen Bloggers, I was able to attend a week long taste testing at one GENSAN SPORTS CENTER initial offerings, the FIRE & ICE Grill and Steak Bar. So here is a brief review of the latter.

AMBIANCE. The non- air conditioned Fire & Ice Grill and Steak Bar gives you a casual dining experience.  The structure which is composed mainly of wood and native products is not intimidating though it looks like a high-end  Barbecue/Chicken Resto. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing dining experience, this is the place to be since Fire & Ice Grill and Steak Bar is far from the main road - less noise and less disturbance. The place is good for groups for it can accommodate up to 30 customers. Given that it is an open-air restaurant, it is best to go there for breakfast and for dinner. Do not fret, Gensan Sports Center has another restaurant to open which is air conditioned (hopefully be featuring it pretty soon). 

FOOD. Fire & Ice won't be called a grill and steak bar for nothing - and boy their steak is something to watch out for. I am no chef but I can tell delicious from a so-so meal. This one from Fire & Ice surely belongs to the delectable steak in Gensan archive. Its meat is juicy and tender and the taste is not too salty with a hint of sweetness. The next time you crave for steak or you grew tired of your usual steak house, try Fire & Ice's steak. I also have to make mention of the beef stew they served that night, they should include it on their menu,retain its taste and they will surely get a best-seller out of it. Fire & Ice Grill and Steak Bar will be offering more menus once it will operate full blast.

SERVICE. Since it is a marketing introduction, I wont be reviewing about their service and staff. For that night, everyone was courteous and amiable.

OTHERS. Gensan Sports Center got a spacious and safe parking lot which is definitely a PLUS for the costumers. There is/are security guards from the gate that keeps track of who comes in and gets out. 

Haven't checked the rest rooms though, I do hope they would include them in their renovation as well.

Fire and Ice Grill & Steak Bar is open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily. It is located at the entrance of Gensan Sports Center (formerly known Anchor Driving Range) along National Highway, Gen. Santos City.

Foodie Critic: PIZAHAN

From the name itself, it is pretty obvious that PIZZA is the main attraction of this joint. With Mamma Marias introducing thin crust and huge pizza in General Santos City, followed by the equally famous Calda Pizza (both were featured on my previous posts) another Pizza Salon is getting popular for the Pizza lovers Generals.

If you are looking for a romantic place for your date, this is not the place for you. Pizahan is designed for a family, friend or a group who simply wants to enjoy each others company over pizza. Since it is an open space with picnic tables over big umbrella, the best time to dine there is late afternoon till the evening. Pizahan is more spacious compared to its neighbor Calda Pizza which is also has an Open Space Setting. We were at first a constant customer of the latter until they became too famous that they can no longer handle the growing demand of their customers specially on weekends and after work. Then we discovered this other PIZZA Joint on the same BLOCK which is less crowded and busy.

Hesitant at first but when I got a taste of Pizahan, I know I found a new place to go in times of my pizza cravings. Like its neighbor, Pizahan is generous with its spices, cheese and other toppings. Plus, its is a bit cheaper compared to its competitors. They also give freebies for its valued customer. Right now you XXL (36Inches) Pizza comes with 2 Pitchers of Ice Tea for FREE and for you XL (31inches) one pitcher of ice Tea. Aside from Pizza, they also got pasta and chicken meals on their menu.


During my last visit, they got new Pizza Recipes on their menu, like Shawarma and Barbecue among others. We usually order Quatro Stagione so appease everyone in my family's cravings.

Another worth noted is that Pizahan is open till Dawn and they serve beer incase you do not know. So if you are tired of the noisy bars and prefers the cozy type of drinking Spree Pizahan offers that type of fun.

Pizahan is located beside Lea's Pension House along Champaca          Street, General Santos City.                                  

Foodie Critic: ASIAN TONGUE

The Food-Lovers in General Santos City got something to watch out for this March 13 of 2011. Another food haven  that would be serving dishes that are popular in different Asian Countries and they literally call the place ASIAN TONGUE RESTAURANT.

Situated in an area where most Government Offices are stones throw-away, the Restaurant is a big add-on the a growing food industry of the city. Not to mention, another place to do the Gastronomic Adventure that most Generals are up to these days.

Together with the other Socsksargen Bloggers for an "invite-only" treat, I got the chance to have a first taste of what Asian Tongue has to offer. Let me start with the ambiance.

AMBIANCE. The structure of where Asian Tongue is standing was once a simple Barbecue Joint. From the outside, the place seems unassuming but wait till you step inside. The renovation created a great transformation for the place and will now be known-ASIAN TONGUE. From the name itself, expect an Asian Theme of the restaurant. Since it has no AC, its advisable for the place to serve the eating public beginning late afternoons till the wee hours of the evening or so. The lighting is perfect for couple who are out on date or for a group of friends who want to chill and dine. Asian Tongue offers live entertainment for diners as well which you might consider an added attraction. 


Note to Asian Tongue: One thing the management has to improve though is their restroom. Make sure not to turn-off your possible regulars with smelly restroom. A simple but CLEAN restrooms are a good to go.

Food. Asian Tongue served the bloggers a complete meal during their visit. First, we got a serving of the  interesting Cheesy Seaweed, which by the way a "freebie" for their diners; sort-of a give away while waiting for their orders. The Cheesy Seaweed is a deep fried seaweed topped with cheese powder. 

Cheesy Seaweed

Next, is the Asian Chicken Salad for appetizer which am pretty sure our friends who love fresh salad would surely enjoy. Then, we also got a taste of their Tom Yum soup - Asian Tongue gave an extra kick to this soup which is a must-try, Came the main course which is the Chef's Chicken Inasal. To complete the meal, the group was served with Asian Tongue's Palitaw made of glutinous rice balls with a filling of langka covered with generous amount of sesame seeds.

For the food, I give Asian Tongue Three out of Five Stars. All in all, the food is good but lets give them a chance to improve. Remember, the place is yet to prove itself.

purely Asian Palitaw

Service. Upon arrival, I was ushered to my table and was warmly welcomed by a staff. Everyone was giddy and seems pretty excited for the opening of the place. Everyone was all smiles - from the manager to the waiters. It must be because they are trying to create a good impression. I am just praying that they will retain the  type of service they gave us that night. Good note about the waiters are they were somehow trained on how to handle their customers. Its good to mention to the diners on how long they will be waiting for their meals and standing up for the time you promised and Asian Tongue can give you that. Two Thumbs Up for Asian Tongue's Service.

Other. Asian Tongue has Wifi, a bonus for you who cannot live to be disconnected for the world wide web.     

Asian Tongue is located along Roxas East Avenue in front the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

They will be open to the public on May 13, 2011!