Food Stop: The Alternative
Location: El Nido, Palawan
Date: April 19, 2014
The Alternative was on my list to dine in even before I asked the locals for advise. I have read a lot about The Alternative and a lot of bloggers have given their positive feedback about the place. The only negative thing I read about them is their hefty price tag for their food. It was not really that expensive but for budget travellers, it would be a great deal.
The Alternative is accessible both from the beach and from the back roads. El Nido Town is such a small place that you would not have a hard time looking for it. I would like to inform you that almost all of the establishments in El Nido encourages their customers to leave their footwear at the entrance. This has something to do with the sand getting in their establishments.
Location: El Nido, Palawan
Date: April 19, 2014
The Alternative was on my list to dine in even before I asked the locals for advise. I have read a lot about The Alternative and a lot of bloggers have given their positive feedback about the place. The only negative thing I read about them is their hefty price tag for their food. It was not really that expensive but for budget travellers, it would be a great deal.
The Alternative is accessible both from the beach and from the back roads. El Nido Town is such a small place that you would not have a hard time looking for it. I would like to inform you that almost all of the establishments in El Nido encourages their customers to leave their footwear at the entrance. This has something to do with the sand getting in their establishments.
My Rating
Food/Drin ks : 9
I was really fed up with squid at this point so I opted not to order anything that has squid anymore. We ordered Pork in Teriyaki Sauce, Meat Paella and two orders of plain rice. I thought I was fed up with squid but when I saw their Calamares being served on a nearby table, I quickly called their staff and ordered Calamares as well. It looked so crunchy and the serving was big that I forgot I was fed up with squid already. Our food came and it was time to taste the food and give the verdict. The Pork in Teriyaki Sauce was great. It was the best dish I tasted while I was in El Nido. The Meat Paella was also delicious. It was loaded with three kinds of meat (Chicken, Beef and Pork). The Calamares was also great. It was really crunchy and the squid inside was still juicy.
Service : 9
I might sound so biased already and readers may think that The Alternative has payed me to give them such a positive writing but the truth is their service was really commendable and deserves a two thumbs up. As we seated on the table, the staff quickly went to us and took our order. It did not took that long for them to prepare our order considering it takes time to prepare paella.
Price : 6
During our stay in El Nido, our meal in The Alternative was the most expensive. I don't regret it though because the service was great, the ambiance was nice and the food was delicious. I still have to admit that the place is not for the budget conscious people. I forgot how much we spent but I think it was around Php1200 for 3 serving of rice, 3 types of viands and 2 drinks.
Ambiance : 9
The Alternative has this warm and welcoming atmosphere. I think it has something to do with their lighting and table setup. The tables are very well placed, that is why it does not feel crowded. The place is also known for their nest-like tables which are nice for chilling out. The place is also located at the beach front so you can hear the nice soothing waves from the sea.
Total Rating: 33/40
Must Tries
* Pork in Teriyaki Sauce
* Calamares
Food/Drin ks : 9
I was really fed up with squid at this point so I opted not to order anything that has squid anymore. We ordered Pork in Teriyaki Sauce, Meat Paella and two orders of plain rice. I thought I was fed up with squid but when I saw their Calamares being served on a nearby table, I quickly called their staff and ordered Calamares as well. It looked so crunchy and the serving was big that I forgot I was fed up with squid already. Our food came and it was time to taste the food and give the verdict. The Pork in Teriyaki Sauce was great. It was the best dish I tasted while I was in El Nido. The Meat Paella was also delicious. It was loaded with three kinds of meat (Chicken, Beef and Pork). The Calamares was also great. It was really crunchy and the squid inside was still juicy.
Service : 9
I might sound so biased already and readers may think that The Alternative has payed me to give them such a positive writing but the truth is their service was really commendable and deserves a two thumbs up. As we seated on the table, the staff quickly went to us and took our order. It did not took that long for them to prepare our order considering it takes time to prepare paella.
Price : 6
During our stay in El Nido, our meal in The Alternative was the most expensive. I don't regret it though because the service was great, the ambiance was nice and the food was delicious. I still have to admit that the place is not for the budget conscious people. I forgot how much we spent but I think it was around Php1200 for 3 serving of rice, 3 types of viands and 2 drinks.
Ambiance : 9
The Alternative has this warm and welcoming atmosphere. I think it has something to do with their lighting and table setup. The tables are very well placed, that is why it does not feel crowded. The place is also known for their nest-like tables which are nice for chilling out. The place is also located at the beach front so you can hear the nice soothing waves from the sea.
Total Rating: 33/40
Must Tries
* Pork in Teriyaki Sauce
* Calamares