The Advertisement said that every Friday Night they served Mongolian BBQ, I’d been there before, just two weeks prior, it was good. (Their lunch menu has a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich that is the best I’ve had outside of Philadelphia.)
My buddy has just come home after being to sea for the last three months. We decided to head over to the Casablanca Hotel on Subic Freeport and chow down on Mongolian BBQ. The added benefit was their huge pool with a swim up bar, when you order food, you may swim gratis. The Kid’s like that.
We met there at 18:30, I with my family and assorted kids, and my friend with his family and some more kids. We had a cold beer and ordered the food. Alas Mongolian BBQ was not available that Friday Night. It was explained to us, that they had booked a large wedding party, who had rented 15 rooms and they wanted a Philippine style buffet for the evening meal, vice the Mongolian BBQ. Who were these odd people?
Tommy just looked at the girl and said, “If it’s on the menu, and you don’t have it, then we just don’t want it.” That caused me to smile, as I thought it was funny.
Small world factor pop’s up. “Mr. Thompson, you don’t remember me?” The Waitress asked. I thought about it and remembered she was a college mate of my daughter Ymir Thea and had been up to our house for a few parties. My wife came over and the yak-yak began. I’m thinking what a way to use that education she had, later I found out she was the sister-in-law of the hotels owner and was just helping out.
Christen, the manager who was from Norway, came over to explain to us, why we will not be eating Mongolian BBQ tonight. The wedding party was one reason, the real reason was the rain, and since they cook the BBQ outside, it had to be canceled. That was easy to understand. It was not raining at the time, but give it an hour…
The kid’s wanted that pool very much, and we were not going to be the ones to disappoint them, it was decided we’d eat off the regular menu. Christen, bought us a beer, and we got to talking, seems like he was a Norwegian Merchant Seaman for 34 years. Me being a retired seaman, and Tommy still sailing as a 2nd Engineer, now three old Seaman, are the kings of Yak-yak, spiced with cold beer.
The food was great, the company was great, and the kids stayed in the water until their fingers were wrinkled, and their lips were blue (until 22:00). Yes, it rained lightly, and Tommy’s daughter was taking her baby out of the pool. I smiled and asked if she was afraid the baby would get wet? Laughter, and back into the pool, there was no thunder or lightning.
So disappointment turned into a fun evening for all concerned. The point of living here is to expect things like that to happen, had we stomped out in a huff, bitchin’ and moaning, we would have missed out on a lot of fun and meeting our new friend, Christen. The kid’s would have been disappointed by not swimming, and they could’ve cared less about what they ate, as long as they got to swim. I choose to live here and will accept each day as it comes, and will make the best out of each and every one!
Remember if life gives you lemons, make a Mindoro Sling.
2 shots of rum
3 ounces lemon juice
3 ounces orange juice
2 ounces mango juice
Top off with soda water in a tall glass with ice, garnish with a wedge of orange, and don’t forget the “Little Umbrella” (makes two drinks)
Ahh, I remember a place called the Casablanca in Barrio Barretto in ’86, it was across the street from a bar called Whiskey River – good name for a bar, still have the T-shirt, but it doesn’t fit anymore. The picture that you show does not in any way resemble the Casablanca that I remember though. Yes, I know that it is a different place. Daisy and I went through the area in 2005 and I barely recognized anything of the area. We stayed at the White Rock Hotel which was still there but it had deteriorated somewhat.
Good for you for your successful evening, just take it as it comes.
Great story about how living in the Philippines with a “take it as it comes” attitude can make everything just fine. A good time was had by all and that is all that really matters.
My fiancee and I will have to try this place if we are ever in Subic Freeport. I hope they have the Mongolian BBQ if we’re there on a Friday night, too. Is it anything like Korean BBQ?
I guess we’ll have to make sure A) no rain forecasted B) no wedding parties making specific menu requests that would effect all restaurant goers. Otherwise, I guess I’ll just have to settle for a Philly-style cheesesteak and a cold San Mig.
Who has the better cheesesteak, Pat’s or Geno’s?
Greg;
Thursday nights the Palm Tree Resort in Barrio Barretto, has Mongolian BBQ also.
I was at one place that served Cheeseburgers but not hamburgers. I felt like Jack Nicholson in “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest”.
The place I got my Cheesesteaks in Philly was across from City Hall on Broad St. can’t remember the name. But I know they didn’t have SMB!
Hi Paul,
One of my favorites for the Philly cheese-steak sandwiches was at or near the ‘Oregon Diner Restaurant’ on Oregon Ave. off Broad St. in South Philly, can’t remember exactly though. Worked there doing electrical repairs on the M/V Overseas Marilyn and M/V Overseas Harriet at that time in the early ’80’s. It was within walking distance of the coal terminal there. The terminal still exists but is now not in operation. The area has changed dramatically since then, all except for the cheese-steak sandwiches, Mmmmm.
At that time there were two highly competitive fast food restaurant owners. McDonald’s vs Burger King. One of them burned the other one out. Didn’t really bother most people there though, the Philly cheese-steak sandwich reigns supreme!
Another favorite was a ‘roach coach’ Step-Van diner wagon who parked just outside of the entrance gate of NORSHIPCO shipyard in Norfolk Va. For $3.75 you could buy a fully packed Philly cheese-steak sandwich, about a foot and a half long. Took me 2 days to consume it, delicious.
As an experienced Philly cheese connoisseur I trust your recommendation and can’t wait to get there and try one. Haven’t had one to compare since then. Mabuhay!
Jade
Wow; what a memory you have. I barely remember Philly! On the Navy base in Philly, there was a delly called “The Blindman’s” some of the best subs I ever had. Right beside the drydocks.
Senior and Jade,
Morning from J-ville Iwas also stationed in Philly took the Constellation through overhaul. You are absolutley right they make the best Cheesesteaks in the world.
My wife worked at the bowling alley snack bar there and she can make a mean cheesesteak, learned from the natives. So Senior if we can get the goods when we get there cheesesteaks on me I mean her. 🙂
Mike: (formerly known as Bruce)
Cheesesteaks! Now that’s a plan, Philly is a great town with some great food.
Jade;
Thr Barrio has had even a major facelift since 2005, many new resorts and family tourest things than there were in 1986. Hang on to the t-shirt, somesay it will be worth a lot on e-bay, or you can clean your car with it. Hell even I had forgotton about the White Rock, I don’t even know if it’s still there. The Casablanca on the base is a fun place to go, I’m having lunch there today. (Philly Cheese Steak of course)
Paul the Fillipina’s playing pool look lovley! I think I would enjoy watching them more than having a San Mig! Of course I know you did not notice them…..
Dan;
They both work there, one is the cashier, and the other is a bartender, now who was it you were talking about? (lol) BTW: The cashier is the one sitting at the pool bar in the other picture. Yes, my wife noticed that I noticed. Deny, deny and deny some more!
Paul..I was talking about both of them playing pool at the pool table..Must be a pretty good place to work if you can play pool at the pool table while on duty!..Ha hahaha..that funny your Wife noticed..They seem to notice the most smallest of things!
Ha Ha… My wife too. I need to go down to Bohol and take some lessons form the Tarsier monkeys on how to ‘observe’ with out moving my eyes!
Jade;
Good luck on that!!!
Dan;
Or the prettiest of things.
Of possibly some interest. There is a small chain of restaurants in the US (California, I think) called Mongolian BBQ. It opened the first internationally franchised restaurant in Ulan Baatur, Mongolia. HUGE crowds (like when McDo’s opened in Moscow) – and great confusion. The Mongolians had never tasted anything like Mongolian BBQ before.
Glad to now that Christen gave you a good welcome. He was in the merchant marine as a cook, if memory serves. Also from Denmark, not Norway? We miss him here in Dipolog where he used to be based.
ProfDon;
My bad, he did say he was Danish, as I joked with Christen about my trips to see a lady friend from Gisling Denmark. He worked for Mersk the Norwegian shipping line, and yes he was a cook. And one very nice guy.
Mongolians never came up with Mongolian BBQ, that’s like in the 60’s when I tried to order French Toast in Nice France for breakfast. They had no idea what I wanted.
I did have a Belgian Waffle in Antwerp once. They were very good, but the beer was better. For breakfast!!??? I was only there for a few hours; had to cram it all into a single excursion.
Beer for breakfast? I think we’ll get along well!
Paul, I agree…Take each day as it comes.
As for the drink..Sounds good as long as you don’t use Tanduay(gasoline) rhum. Even Barcardi would be better, I perfer Meyers dark myself. There’s just not enough O’s in smooooooth to describe Meyers 😀
Hudson;
And now for the good news; Tanduay produces two RUM’s (no H in the name) for export, one is called Superior and is 12 yo, the other is called 1854 and is 15 yo. Both are better than Bacardi. (both rum’s under p400.00 per bottle 750ml.)
Meyers is dark rum and none better for Planters Punch. I will pass on any rum, that is spelled RHUM. Remember all my years in the caribbean and all the great rums I’ve had, including Pussers Rum from the Virgin Islands, hard to get but worth the high price. I can get Captain Morgan Spiced Rum on Subic Freeport, my monthly treat for Paul.
Ever try Barbancourt 7 star from Haiti, there aren’t enough O’s to describe it either. (Hudson took them all already)
Jade;
I remember visiting the Barbancourt Distillery in 1969, many different flavors of rum, I do not remember returning to my hotel room. It must have been a good day! Saddest country I’ve ever been to, Baby Doc was the boss then.
I’ve had days like that(missing time)….Kind of like time travel
Hudson;
Teleporting, beam me up Scotty.
Hi Paul,
Nice story. I’ll keep Mongolian BBQ in mind next time I’m looking for a place to eat. I don’t have a clue, although I may have eaten somewhere, or even in northern China but under different name.
Alex
Alex;
Many different meats chopped small, many types of vegetables, stir fried using sesame oil and other sauces. I don’t know who invented it, but I do thank them! You go through the line and pick what you want, hand it to the cook, then sit and enjoy. (most places charge by weight of what you took)
Mongolian BBQ has always baffled me, so many ingredients, so many different sauces and condiments. What goes with what? What wont go with something else? Very mysterious!
It always comes out tasting good though!
Jade;
Don’t question it, just enjoy. It’s all good.
Slightly off topic – [ mmmmm well Mongolia is fairly close to Korea lol] but can someone recommend a Korean restaurant – or Mongolian – in Davao City pls ?
Ian;
Many many here in Subic area, Davao I don’t know about, but maybe someone will jump in with the answer.
Hi ian – there are lots of Korean restaurants in Davao. I believe there are two in the parking lot behind Victoria Plaza. There is one across the street from Victoria next to Chow King. I’ve seen others too, but don’t recall where. I can’t vouch for their food, as I have never tried any of them.
Hi Bob- i’ve seen the restaurants around also, what I am hoping for is a recommendation from someone who has tried some of those restaurants.
Hi,Paul,Ask Kristian to make a comment on DIBS.It will be worth a laugh.From the Vice President.
Ron;
You fogged my head with that request, sorry but I just don’t understand. But if I did I would since I’ll be there today for lunch.
Hi Paul,I am sure Kristian will enlighten you.
Ron;
Aye-aye, I’ll tell him today.
Ron;
Passed the message, ate a Philly Cheesesteak, drank 2 beers, switched to rum & coke stayed untill after 15:00, went home. Today a mild hangover. Life is indeed good!
Paul, I passed yhe website reference to your posting on the Kristen via text. He read it and was please, very pleased by what you had written. Maybe you’ll get another free beer? i also passed on the site address to several of Kristen’s friends in Dipolog. One, Odin, a real norwegian, was VERY impressed with your approach to life here.
And please let all of us know what DIBS is.
ProfDon;
Dipolog International Bored Society of which Kristian is the President.
“If it’s on the menu, and you don’t have it, then we just don’t want it.” CLASSIC!!
Thanks for the recipe – if I could only find lemons here in Gensan 😎
I got hooked on Appleton Estate hanging out with a good buddy from Jamaica back in the 80s. In the management meetings at work he barely had an accent, but at the clubs hanging with folks from Jamaica, Trinidad, Belize… about all I could understand was that I was having a good time!
Tanduay 1854 is still a bit sweet for me, although it does have a nice flavor. I haven’t tried the Superior. For mixing I actually like Tanduay White, it’s not as sweet and compliments cola, lemon-lime and juices.
Hey Mon;
I know what you talkin’ about Mon! All my memories of visits to Jamaica are hazy at best. but I love the lilted accent, and got nervous when I started to understand everything I heard.
Hi Paul- I enjoyed the story and even if you ended up with lechon manok the company was good eating it. Sometimes it’s not the meal but the company that makes the meal.
Keep sailing whilst your drinking but remember to stay on course.
Regards.
Jim landlocked in the Bukid.
Jim;
You are so right, it’s always the company that is most important. We had one of our weekly 9-4 brownout yesterday, and I just happened to have a lunch planned with Dave Starr and his wife Mita at the Casablanca hotel, most pleasant afternoon and a lot of laughs.
Casablanca is the name of the casino at Hotel Stotsenberg in Clark…They have a great pool there too. I was confused for a minute. Where is this one located in Subic?
Miguk;
On the road to the airport about 3 minutes up on the right after you pass the New Pure Gold store.
Senior,
You said a very profound and truthful statement that I can take to heart.”I choose to live here and accept each day as it comes,and will make the best out of each and everyone.”
That’s what it is all about choice. No not because my wife and her family live her , It’s cheap to live here,or I can get anything I want here. It’s about being content and loving life on life’s terms. And what you said sums up what retirement in the Philippines is all about.
Your a wise man have a cold one on me 🙂
Hi Mike (Formerly known as Bruce);
I choose to live her, was taught to me by a shipmate named Charlie Hilsee, (SS) USN ret., and a Chief Steward with the U.S. Merchant Marines, who has passed on to sit with the Supreme Commander, but most of all he, was a friend.
Senior,
Got a big chuckle on how you put (Formerly known as Bruce).
Let me explain Mike has been my nickname through out the navy till present, because of my last name. Guess it was easier for them to call me Mike for Michels than Bruce.:)
Beside when the calls me by Bruce I know I’m in trouble!
Ok Mike;
Than Mike it is!
Update on Mongolian BBQ;
Friday night, 30 July ten of us went to the Casablanca Resort on Subic and had the finest Mongolian BBQ we’ve had in tears.
During the rainy season, you pick your items inside, then given a number, the kitchen cooks it and you’ve got it ready to eat in a very short time. Between Kristen and Oliver (Chef) they’ve got it down to a fine act.