Finally, Above Sea Level is now here. The famed food shack specializing in fresh and affordable seafood is now available in Cagayan de Oro and recently launched its grand opening last September 3 at Centerpoint Arcade in Domingo Velez St., corner Corrales Ave.

Mae Grace Siao, Chef Cornelio Garcia and Reena Mae Genelaso leads the ribbon cutting of the first Above Sea Level branch in CDO. Dave Achondo

ASL serves a delicious array of fresh seafood, and it’s the type of place you stop in and grab a bite when you’re looking for something quick, without compromising the quality. What makes it appealing is that it’s not fussy; it’s just plain good and simple.

Fr. Fermin Tan leads the blessing of Above Sea Level - CDO staff members along with its proprietors. Bowing are ASL business partners Marcel Genelaso Jr., with wife Reena Mae, and Mae Grace Siao in white. Photo by Dave Achondo

The Giant Butterfly Squid is a deep-fried breaded giant squid on a stick cut in the open to resemble a butterfly and is served on a wooden blocked with the squid standing up with all its meaty glory. The price of this signature dish depends entirely on the size, as it comes in five with a starting price of P150 up to P460 and each comes with a free Java Rice.

The famed Giant Butterfly Squid "Squidfest" good for 2 to 3 persons priced at P535. Photo by Dave Achondo

The butterfly squid remains a popular item on the menu but Above Sea Level also offers other delicious and affordable options to enjoy such as Beef-Wrapped Shrimp (P250), Firecracker Shrimps (P190), Squid-Overload (P260 good for 2-3 persons), Krispy Sizzling Pusit (P195) and the Sea Food Festival (P395).

Sea Food Festival an ensemble of crabs, mussels, shrimps, corn cobs, & sauce made of crab fat good for 3 persons. Photo by Dave Achondo

The Sea Food Festival is an ensemble of crabs, mussels, shrimps, corn cobs, & sauce made of crab fat good for 3 persons that sit on top of a steaming Java rice. Krispy Sizzling Pusit is their version of the classic Filipino favorite “Sisig”; it’s spicy, crunchy, and top with chilies and fresh egg.

Firecracker Shrimps rolled in lumpia wrapper. Photo by Dave Achondo

Their signature dish also comes in a "triple-treat" combo dubbed as the Squidfest for only P535 you get three butterfly squids and is good for 2 to 3 persons. The said restaurant also offers weekly entertainment with local acoustic bands – and at night, the area transforms into a semi-pub offering beers and other beverages along with their daily Blue Lemonade and Red Iced Tea drinks that comes in 16oz (P50), a liter (100), or tower size (P180).

"Squid Overload" deepfried squid tentacles. Photo by Dave Achondo

What to try? We suggest you have a taste of what ASL is famous for – the “Giant Butterfly Squid” paired with Java Rice and a cold glass of lemonade and Firecracker Shrimps on the side. What better way to enjoy ASL’s offerings but with friends, get together and enjoy three butterfly squids dubbed the “Squidfest” with or without the java rice it still tastes awesome.

Above Sea level is open daily from 11 am to 2 pm, and again from 5 pm to 10 pm (Sunday to Thursday). Meanwhile, on weekends (Friday to Saturday) they open from 11 am to 2 pm and dinner starts at 6 PM to 12 midnight.