Tag: Restaurant

The Chocolate Chamber: A Story of Love, Passion, and Dedication

The shop seats seemingly ordinary at first glance. Unassuming. The glass that separates the house of sweets from the outside refracts the day light, creating a glossy tint, which eventually reduces the transparency. You could not get an apparent view of what is actually inside. Behind the fragile walls is The Chocolate Chamber. The Chocolate Chamber banner outside its boutique at Sarrosa International Hotel Initially, you may wonder if it either sells your favorite Belgian chocolates, or houses a candy collection sourced from foreign makers. Your curiosity engender, more likely. You’ll probably make a stop and take a close look ... Read more

Casa Uno by Circa 1900: Chic Food, Spic Spot

Perched at Cebu’s spic neighborhood, Casa Uno by Circa 1900 is a food spot that you have to reach prepensely. Though getting there is easy with a cab, getting out would be a bit of challenge. For those who do not drive, Uber and Grab apps are rather convenient. Casa Uno by Circa 1900 The restaurant occupies the heritage house seating at the southern end of Sanjercas Ville Extension Road. The old-world charm compliments well with the well-landscaped front yard. Surrounded with greens, the place seems an ideal abode for nature sojourners. There is rustic feel despite being located smack within the city. South ... Read more

OLA Restobar: A Fusion of Spanish and Italian Cuisine

Gorgeous lasses greet you upon arrival. One of them leads you to a comfortable seat. She then introduces the specials and wait until you decided what to order. Royal, white leather seats are arrayed at the corners. A glass-topped table runs through the spacious section of the room. It is matched with cozy and comfortable chairs. At one corner, a small platform stands for performances. Beside it is the bar that serves beer, pure liquors, and cocktails. Moreover, the restaurant is strangely L-shaped. A weird divider adorned with firewood creates a lot of corners and smaller cubicles. It gives some sort ... Read more

Dong Juan Favorites: Gambas Pasta and Tablea Collections

I found it dimmer than usual at first glance. Though the lighting coordination complimented well to the interior design, I couldn’t say that the ambiance is inviting enough for the lower middle class. I heard that Dong Juan offers food for every “Juan”, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Ordinary individuals may find it too flashy, but not opulent enough to invite the rich. Or, maybe, I am just a confused blogger. Anyway, I noded to a Zomato’s invite after few months in hiatus. It brought me at the Persimmon branch of Dong Juan. Since I was the first to ... Read more

An American-Infused Japanese Dining at Sumo Sam Cebu

Sumo Sam is not a typical Japanese restaurant. The strokes of kanji printed atop the branding, the “hinomaru” circle on its logo, and the part of the name itself, sumo (a Japanese martial art) are your only clues. The restaurant’s look and ambiance, however, does not feel Japanese at all, despite the presence of some Nihon cultural figures and paintings displayed at the bar. The dining sets look modern and the ceiling lights are pretty contemporary, similar to any “hodgepodge” restaurants out there. Sumo Sam at Ayala Center Cebu Good thing that the selections on the menu cover a mélange of Japanese cooking. Your ... Read more

Hala Paella! Spanish Comfort Food Treat

Halla Paella’s specialty are paellas, as the name infers. However, it was the taste of chipirones that secured a spot in my food memory. I could remember well the distinct flavors of the dip that blends well with the roasted garlic toppings and the fried baby squid slices. The crisp gave a memorable munching experience. My personal favorite, Chipirones Yummy and Comfort Treat The food stall also serves chuletas which tastes really scrumptious. The tender pork rib chop seasoned with specially-made sauce leaves an interesting balance of sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness to your palate. Hala Paella’s Chuletas, Yum! If you are up for ... Read more

Ocean Garden Restaurant: Home of Cebu’s Seafood

I could clearly see Mark’s reaction as he relished the last bite of the Spanish-style bangus (milkfish). He enjoyed every chomp of it and was ready to take another slice. Mark settled just few seats away from Kezia who was seating opposite of me. Fronting Mark was the platter of the Spanish inspired dish containing the last two pieces – which, at my viewpoint, appeared as the last remaining chunk. Ocean Garden Restaurant’s treat to Cebu Food Crawlers Everyone else was busy taking photos of the newly served food, thus I have to stand to take my milkfish share. Photo bombing are Cebu ... Read more

Cebu Must-Try: STK ta Bay! Paolito’s Seafood House

A college friend, Mico, and his girlfriend, Jessica, visited Cebu for a job-related event. It wasn’t really his trip but Jessica’s and he just tagged along, with explicit permission, I guess. Anyway, being based in Cebu, I was tasked to show them around and have them try a Cebuano feast. That time, I was fairly new in Cebu, so I asked my current officemates for recommendations. “STK ta Bay! Paolito’s Seafood House” was among the list. We decided to try it on our day 2 dinner. STK ta Bay! sa Paolito’s Seafood House What greeted us was a gallery of distinguished ... Read more

Lantaw SRP: An Al Fresco Seaside Dining in Cebu

Being reachable only with private cars and taxis, Lantaw SRP isn’t really for everybody. Though perched within a not-so-inviting location, people frequent the place to experience their al fresco dining and taste the sumptuous dishes on their list. The restaurant made quite a buzz to the city’s working class, and our curious palates told us to try. When we got a chance, we dashed to the restaurant, tagging along our guest. Open Air Dining Area adorned with hanging paddle boats The location isn’t really noticeable, most especially if it’s your first time. In fact, we passed over the place without ... Read more