AN EXPLORATION OF TASTE AT MATINA
by Louie P. Oviedo

Surprise and adventure accompanies you as you bite your way from their appetizer, soup, main course and down to their dessert---to top it off, they even give you their warmest attention---this was my experience eating at Matina.

I started with the Grilled Squid with its Chili-Lime Dressing and became my favorite. The squid is served sliced atop a bed of vegetables, is cooked just right so you do not have to wrestle with it as you cut it down to pieces. The dressing adds character and tanginess that plays with the juiciness of its succulent squid. I would suggest that you eat the squid starting from its tail, saving the tentacles for last because this is the part where the flavor seeped in.

Their Duck and Asparagus Caesar's Salad is a one of a kind salad, totally different from the other salads I've tasted. With its vivid play of colors from lettuces of different varieties, thin slices of duck meat, green, slender sticks of asparagus sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and a finishing touch from its killer dressing, I found it very unconventional and extraordinary.

Their Gindara Fillet sits atop green Japanese noodles, which has been seasoned liberally that there were parts I had to admit were too salty. Though the noodles have been saturated with the sauce, the gindara was warm, juicy and tender.

Another instant favorite of mine was the Pasta Negra with its mixed seafood, white wine cream, and herbs. Salmon, calamares, prawns and mussels had been left on top of black, flat noodles then smothered with Parmesan cheese adding flavor to its creamy taste. The pasta was smooth as it rolls in my mouth---they are also made fresh, straight from the kitchen of Matina.

Chocolate Fondue for dessert comes with a bowl of fresh fruits and mallows then dip into a bowl of melted chocolate then topped with walnuts. The chocolate was smooth, rich, and sweetened just right that you'll eventually forgot about my aim to lose weight for this year.

The place is ideal for dating, a venue for intellectual and casual conversation. In fact, the owners of neighboring establishments such as Insomnia Café and Gotham converge here with Matina owners, Vida and Inky Dario, for friendly chitchats. Its relaxing interiors are sleek, minimalist, and modern in design---ideal for art exhibits. Two upcoming artists will be featured here for the month of March: Mei Afable and Lara Gloriosa.

Matina, a name that sprouted from the mind Kenneth Tuason (another partner who owns Matina) began as a word that fits the bill right of being three-syllable, simple and feminine-sounding. It was only when their patrons started coming in that what started to be a nonsensical word turns out Davao has a district called Matina and that in Italy if spelled with a double "T", Mattina, means early morning. And true enough, they are open until early mornings especially on Fridays and Saturdays. They serve lunch from 12NN to 2:30PM.

If you are looking for a place that serves Fusion food (dishes that are prepared by combining the influences from both East and West), has an ambience perfect for talking, has clean comfort rooms that are spacious, plus good service---the staff may not be in great numbers but they are attentive to your needs, drop by Matina at 610 Nakpil Street and see what I mean.