Sweet lemon treat

Finally had the chance to swoop down on Boracay the other weekend – I try to avoid the weekends when you just know it’ll be too crowded – and was amazed with all the development that’s going on. Seems like the slogan is truly not to leave any square inch of beachfront under-ultilized. Smack in the center, D’Mall has grown by leaps and bounds to encompass more than twice the land area I previously associated it with. While some may complain about the lack of planning that accompanies this beehive of activity, the casual visitor certainly welcomes how this has exponentially increased the dining options now available. New eateries like Zuzuni and Cyma now provide viable choices in terms of Greek cuisine; but it was at Lemon Cafe that I had the pleasure to enjoy one very eye-popping Saturday lunch.

Eye-popping because while one’s fervent wish may be to find dependable comfort food while on the island, Lemon Cafe provided not only delicious fare, but also had impeccable food styling stamped on the presentation of each dish… as it turns out, not surprising at all, given that people like Tom Hines is the chef patron, and Buddy Trinidad is pastry chef. Among the other personalities behind this establishment, we have Julia Lurvik, general manager and chef, with amiable Sarah Labrooy handling the front of house.

The concept is all-day dining, but this is done with such informal aplomb and class that one can only welcome Lemon Café with open arms – and mouth wide open! The interiors are accentuated by simple, colorful tiles on the floor, which add summer colors and zest to your dining ambiance. In much the same manner that a bistro may be situated near a St. Tropez beach or Villefranche quay, Lemon Cafe proudly proclaims that very casual dining does not have to sacrifice anything in terms of taste and flavor.

One exciting aspect of Lemon Café’s menu is its all-day breakfast. As I perused this section of the menu, I was immediately taken by the coco pancake with banana and Palawan honey, and the egg white omelet with feta and water spinach. Healthy can still be delicious in this cafe. The hearty sandwiches and big salads choices included a very interesting Thai lemon chicken ciabatta, while the special drinks list included a fresh mint tea, and a mint and pineapple crush – both were truly refreshing!

For my appetizer, I honed in on the lemon fish cakes with native spinach and laksa. This dish proved that there was sorcery aplenty going on in the confines of Lemon Cafe’s kitchen. The laksa was a fresh take on providing counterpoint to the flavors of the fish cake and turned the dish into a veritable palette of artistry! This attention to detail and presentation was to be repeated when I ordered the Mango Madness for dessert – but I’m getting ahead of myself!

The main dish I opted for was the tiger prawns with coco risotto and just trust me, this one is for the ages. It was a meal in itself, and I only wish I had first tried a bit of JR’s seared yapak tuna on lemon mash, water spinach and black olive salsa, because it also looked extremely appetizing!

I asked what their specialties were in the dessert category, and Sarah replied that the lemon tart was tops. I had a yen for something sweeter and will never regret having their Mango Madness – generous mango slices, Graham cracker crust and cream, served on a platter that looks like some abstract painting. Yummy! The muffins and mango oatmeal cookies were calling my name, but I had to apologize as I was really stuffed. Plus let’s face it, Bora, the beach, swimwear… not exactly the wisest of times to pig out!

Lemon Cafe’s quality comes with a premium, the eatery is slightly more expensive than most of the dining options available on the island – but believe me, when you want that culinary treat during your Bora stay, this is definitely the place! Lemon has always been a refreshing, healthy, and versatile fruit, used as a flavor enhancer; and it’s great to see it being utilized here not only in appetizers, but also in seafood, poultry dishes, desserts and beverages. The next time I find myself in Bora, my first dining stop will definitely have Lemon written all over it. Look for the plaza with the mini Ferris wheel at D’Mall, and Lemon Cafe will be nearby.