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: HOUSE OF CASHEWS

My mama and I share the same cravings for roasted cashew so when I heard about the opening of a more accessible House of Cashew. I brought her there together with my other sisters.  With the purpose of simply checking the place if its worth a second visit, I came up with this review.

AMBIANCE. The 5-tabled place (4 inside + 1 outside), housing different cashew dishes got a homey feel to it. Best for a couple or a small group of four, the House of Cashew located in one of the spaces of the new ECA Building, made a wrong decision in furnishing their Showroom and Delicacy House with bulky hardwood tables. They should rethink of putting tables and chairs that would make a small space look bigger. They can put the bigger tables outside instead. Anyhow, the use of recycled and handcrafted menu board and other stuffs inside the resto is commendable.


FOOD. We came to the House of Cashew for what they became famous for - their FRESH LUMPIA. The grounded cashew as a substitute to peanut gave the dish an oomph. The taste is indeed better compared to the other available local fresh lumpia. They also have a generous serving that would make you consider the Fresh Lumpia as a complete and satisfying meal - good news for those who are on diet. I would highly recommend people to go and try the House of Cashew's FRESH LUMPIA.

A pasta lover in me also tried the House's Lasagna. The regular serving for the price of Ninety pesos can be shared by two. The crunchy texture of the cashew made it unique and worth trying. I find the lasagna too sweet for my taste though, maybe my taste buds was used of loads of cheese on my lasagna.

SERVICE. It is really good to note that if you dine at the House of Cashew you will surely be take good care of. The owners are really hands on in managing the place that you would really get a quality service from their staff. Orders usually arrive the customers table after three to five minutes from the time the waiter took your order.

If you wish to visit HOUSE OF CASHEW:Showroom and Delicacy House they are located at #5 ECA Food Arcade, ECA building, Dadiangas Heights, General 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.