My Foodelity - Cebu Food Blogger

Best Cebu Food Blog of 2020 Finalist

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 02:36:00 +0000

Cebu Food Blogger: I'm so honored for the second time around, this blog that I have dedicated to food is again one of the finalists of the Best Cebu Food Blog of 2020. To be considered as part of the roster of top caliber bloggers in the Visayas is already a personal achievement of mine in the blogosphere. Win or lose, this distinction is already enough for me. A validation that at least, it is worth to be recognized in the blogging community especially here in Cebu.

Here is my co-finalist, Neil Savellon (chefbuano.com), who is my fellow Cebu Blogger and friend too. He makes wonderful and posh recipes and I think he is deserving to win this category.

I'm a blogger before I became a food blogger but I think everyone is a foodie because we have to eat to survive and we often take photos of our food before devouring it. I do cook my own food, my recipes are simple yet, very easy to follow for a newbie without any experience with cooking. I don't believe that it is hard to cook because it is definitely easy. It takes practice though like any other things we do.

Let me share a little secret, it is all about spices, salt and pepper! And food will definitely taste good.

If you think, this blog deserves to win, pls. VOTE HERE.

Hashtag: #BCBA2020 #TopCebuBloggers

Twitter/ Instagram: @bcbawards and Facebook: @bestcebublogs.

Website: www.bestcebublogsawards.com

Email: bestcebublogsawards@gmail.com

List of SPONSORS here.

Shrimp Aglio e Olio in Cebuano kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 May 2020 18:24:00 +0000

Cebu Food Blogger - This is my version of the famous Italian Pasta dish, the aglio e olio. This is one of the easiest to prepare with the simplest ingredients. However, it would require a bit of precision especially when sauteing garlic. Avoid burnt garlic on the pan. I also added sliced shrimps to give it some flavor.

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If the spaghetti pasta is not available, we can use fettuccine, linguine, penne, rotini or even macaroni. Actually, any pasta we have at home will do. After all, we are making a very easy to cook Italian dish in our very Filipino home kitchen.

My Shrimp aglio e olio

During the home quarantine period, I managed to have pasta as my meal at least once in a week. It makes me feel that I eat something new to my palate than eating a formal dish like with rice in my case. The aglio e olio dish is my excuse when I think I'm a bit lazy to cook a hearty meal at home. It is definitely my go-to quick pasta dish.
I also love cooking any Italian dish or a variety of pasta for that matter. Will showcase my Pesto pasta soonest. And for me, it is even the simplest of all. I'll blog about it soon.

Servings: 2

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

A handful of Vegetarian Italian Spaghetti Pasta
6 pcs shrimps, sliced
6 cloves of garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, squeezed
Butter
Salt
Pepper - ground
Chili flakes

Preparation:

Follow the instructions in cooking the spaghetti pasta. Around 12 to 15 minutes until al dente.

Saute the garlic in butter.

Add the shrimps and season it with a pinch of salt and ground pepper.

Squeeze a half sliced lemon.

Add the shrimp toppings to the cooked pasta.

Drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil.

To give that extra kick, add some chili flakes and a squeeze of the remaining lemon.

Mix everything and get ready to eat.

Bon Apetit,

Cebu Food Blogger

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Ampalaya Salad - VEGAN

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 10:47:00 +0000

Cebu Food Blogger - Have you tried eating an ampalaya or bitter gourd salad? You would probably ick just the thought of eating this bitter vegetable. And how much more if it is turned into a vegan salad? Well, you will never despise ampalaya after you have tasted this sweet salad. Yes, you read it right!

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I myself is an ampalaya eater. I really love vegetables. I remember my mom making her special salad during holidays and special occasions at home. So I gave her a call for her ampalaya salad appetizer.

Ampalaya Salad appetizer

The recipe is very simple and will not take much of your time preparing it.

Servings: 2
Preparation: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 whole ampalaya or bitter gourd
1/2 slice of lemon
2 calamansi, sliced
1 medium tomatao, diced
1 onion, sliced
1 medium-sized ginger, sliced
200 g or 1 pouch of pineapple tidbits (del monte)
1 teaspoon rock salt
2 tablespoon vinegar

Preparation:

Just mix all the ingredients and voila, you'll have an ampalaya salad.

This is an easy-to-prepare veggie appetizer at home if you are in a rush. It won't take that long. In less than 10 minutes, you'll have an instant fresh salad.

For nutrition, studies say that ampalaya is rich in vitamins C and A, beneficial folate, fiber, potassium, some iron and zinc too.

Scientific name is momordica charantia.

Bon Apetit,

Cebu Food Blogger

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Vegan Lumpia with Green Thai Curry

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 08:50:00 +0000

Cebu Food Blogger - Here in the Philippines, every time there is an important celebration like a birthday party, a fiesta or a business opening, there is always one staple that doesn't get discounted on the Filipino menu. That is fried lumpia. There are a number of variations of the said fried roll dish. I always wanted it to be flavorful.

I have classified my personal diet as pesco vegetarian (pescatarian) or ovo lacto vegetarian. The version I'm making is an all vegan fried lumpia this time.

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Traditional Filipino Vegan Lumpia

Is it simple to make? The preparation is indeed easy. And since I have craved for curry, I added it to add some extra flavor and heat kick to the traditional Filipino lumpia. It is strictly vegan though. Can be served as an appetizer or a side dish or for some, as a main dish.

Servings: 10 for 20 rolls
Cooking: 10 minutes
Preparation: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

5 clove garlic, minced
1 onion, minced
1 red bell pepper, minced
1 medium sized carrot, diced
1 green chili or sili espada, chopped
1/4 slab of tofu, diced into small portions
1/2 cup cabbage, shredded
1 cup tauge or mungbean sprouts (3-day old germination)
1 tablespoon of Green Thai green curry paste
20 pcs lumpia wrapper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon powdered black pepper
1 teaspoon knorr seasoning
1/2 teaspoon five spices
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for sauteing
1 cup vegetable oil for frying
1/4 cup soymilk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sweet chili sauce or banana ketchup for serving

Preparation:

Mix vegetables saute

1. Heat the frying pan and add vegetable oil.
2. Saute garlic, onions, red bell pepper for a minute.
3. Add the tofu, carrots, and mungbean sprouts (taugi).
4. Add the curry paste, cabbage and green chilies.
5. Season with salt, pepper, five spices and knorr seasoning.

Wrapping the lumpia

1. Place two heaping tablespoons of the cooked mix vegetables.
2. Fold it and tuck in both ends of the wrapper. Roll it.
3. Moisten the edge of the wrapper with the soymilk and cornstarch mixture.
4. Set it aside on the plate and roll the rest of the lumpia.

Frying

1. Heat vegetable oil in a medium pan.
2. Carefully place 4 lumpia rolls in the pan and fry each side for about a minute until golden brown.

Note: To avoid burning the lumpia, reduce the heat.

3. Drain excess oil of the fried vegan lumpia on a paper towel or a wire rack if you have.
4. Serve it with sweet chili sauce or banana ketchup.

Again, you can modify the recipe. You may add meat if you like or perhaps crab meat. Whatever that suites your liking.

What I made is a vegetable lumpia that fits my personal diet lifestyle.

Do let me know if you have your own recipe to share and will be happy to check it.

Bon Apetit,

Cebu Food Blogger

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Natural Immunity Booster - Lemon, Ginger, Calamansi, Honey Infusion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 16:24:00 +0000

Cebu Food Blogger - Presently, in the quest of finding a cure to the Covid19, there is none at the moment. It is true that prevention is better than cure. We still don't have the vaccine to kill the virus. However, we can form an army inside our bodies to protect our cells from the intrusion of any foreign bodies. The secret is to boost our immune system.

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There are some study about hesperidin. We can actually have one by using the gifts of nature. Citrus-rich fruits are the key.

So what is Hesperidin?

It is a bioflavonoid, a type of plant pigment with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects found primarily in unripe citrus fruit. Oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and tangerines contain hesperidin.-www.verywellhealth.com

So I decided to create a non-heat infusion of lemon, calamansi, ginger and raw unfiltered wild honey.

Ingredients:

3 pcs lemon, sliced
12 pcs calamansi, sliced
1 medium sized ginger, sliced
250 ml raw unfiltered wild honey

Preparation:

1. Soak all citrus fruits in water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar for 30 minutes. This is to remove all chemicals, fertilizers and dirt attached to the skin of the fruits.
2. After 30 minutes, rinse the fruits and make sure they're cleansed thoroughly.
3. The glass jar should be sterilized for at least 5 minutes in boiling water.
4. Slice the lemons and calamansi.
5. Peel the ginger and slice it.
6. Layer the slices of lemon, calamansi and ginger.
7. Add honey.
8. Add another layer of lemon, calamansi, and ginger.
9. Cover the jar with the lid.
10. Put it on the fridge.

Direction to use:

This is what we do each morning after we wake up.

1. Prepare a glass of lukewarm water. Don't use boiling or extremely hot water as putting honey in it could be toxic to the body.
2. Scoop 4 to 5 tablespoons of infusion from the jar and add it to the lukewarm water.
3. Scoop some lemons, calamansi and ginger from the jar and mix it with the glass of lukewarm water.
4. Stir it and drink it immediately.

Notes:

This non-heat concoction or infusion is a nice relief for those with stuffy nose, sore throat, cough or flu. It is a natural homemade remedy that is easy to prepare.

Other citrus-rich fruits can also be alternately used like pomelo, lime, dalandan, guava, melons, etc.

Never pour honey in extremely hot or boiling water. When you drink it, it could yield a high toxicity to our bodies.

Always sterilize jars before using it.

This infusion is a natural nutritional strategy we can take in. This is not a cure but it could be our first defense to combat any infections that tries to invade our cells in the body.

Hesperidin blocks the entrance of invaders like any virus.

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Having Lunch in Misto at Seda

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 08:03:00 +0000

Name of Establishment: MISTO at Seda
Location: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (at the heart of Cebu City) Philippines
Type of Food: International and Local (Filipino) Cuisine.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Over-all place: 3.5 as there isn't really much space that would cater to huge crowds. It's a lobby dining.
Operation time: 6 AM to 10 PM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mistoatseda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sedahotels
Zomato: No
WIFI: Yes
Contact: 032- 411-5800

Cebu Food Blogger: On a fine saturday afternoon in mid-August, me and two of my friends decided to have a lunch buffet in MISTO at Seda (a lobby dining). It is our rendezvous for our weekend mall shopping. Though it is not really our fist time to be dining at MISTO. We've been in the cafe a couple of times so we know we will be indulging in some of our favorites. Just making sure our tummies are not filled before devouring our lunch buffet.

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Seda is literally an inch away from Ayala Center Cebu. It is definitely a perfect nook if we wanted to partake in a luxurious lunch to satiate our bellies with good and tasty food for lunch. It is also a hideaway for short meetings or simply waiting for friends while enjoying a cozy "me" time to kill the hour and perhaps having a cup of coffee or tea on the side.

Now, let's check on what I usually do when having a lunch buffet. I seriously have some rituals or should I say phasing in terms of sequencing my food intake according to my palate or what I'm craving during the day. I bet you also have your own way but let me share mine.

Starter

I usually start with a small bowl of soup. Bread paired with cheeses and butter. Yes, that simple to actually exercise my tongue to familiarize some flavors. I thought it is something light on the tummy. It will also prepare my gastronomic bag (stomach) for a huge accommodation of food in a short while. Once I'm done with the first plate, I move to the next.

Phase 2

The next station to visit is Japanese. I usually just tend to pick one of each sushi rolls to get a taste of all variety but also not to overindulge my stomach, yet! Definitely also picking up some bite-sized tuna bread or bruschetta. Maybe 1 to 2 servings will do. Also having some portions of cold cuts. This is the time to introduce my palate by having chicken meat too in preparation for the big munch.

Phase 3

I will be ready this time on my third plate for the sumptuous and gastronomic meal. Taking into consideration that I've been working out since a month a go for my total well-being, I'm quite conscious with the portions of food I'm ingesting. Even if I'm in a lunch buffet, I would still control what I'm putting on the plate.

Of course, I would love to taste at least all that's been prepared by the chefs of Misto. I got to have a small bowl of soup (mushroom). A plate with rice because we all know, "Rice is Life"! But for me, a light portion only. A thin slice of Pork Hamonada too which is something I like because of its rich and delectable flavor. I also had a piece of their Fish Parmigiana which is my favorite because the meat is not dry but juicy. And the tomato is not really that overpowering the dish. I can taste it but just on point. Then, I want to make sure I have Beef Curry as well. I just love the taste of their curry and the beef is tender. I would also recommend it when you have your lunch buffet in Misto.

Then of course, a few steamed String beans to have a variety for my taste buds to savor. To add, a pasta dish is something I shouldn't forget too.

Phase 4

After that hearty phase 3, it is time for a healthy treat of fruits and salads. I'm having Mango and Shrimps salad, mixed fruit salad, a slice of watermelon and pineapple. The green mango with bagoong is something I had 2 servings with. Well, we are in Cebu, Philippines! We are abundant with mangoes! So, I did take advantage of it.

Phase 5

A meal will never be complete without desserts! Misto definitely has a variety of sweet delights for us to choose and savor. I had bread pudding, brownies, mango cheesecake, mango mousse, choco mousse, cake. Of course, Misto has a lot of it but these are what I thought prefer having.

So, it was definitely a satisfying lunch buffet experience at Misto. However, since the restaurant is not that huge, there could just be a few featured international cuisine to choose or say a variety of dish to select. But just check the video I'm showing below. It is still worth the price you are paying. In the end, the most important thing is you have a full tummy with good food.

How much is Misto Lunch Buffet?

Php 850 nett from 12NN to 2:30PM

Take note of the following:

Monday Buffet Mania, 4+1 offer on the lunch buffet @ Php 850 nett from 12NN to 2:30PM

Monday Mantra, 1 hr extension of the Happy Hours from 5PM to 9PM, Misto and Poolbar

Happy Hours, 50% off on selected cocktails and beers from 5PM to 8PM, Misto

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Cebu Food Crawl 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 12:42:00 +0000

Cebu Food Crawl 2018 - I've been a loyal foodie and participant of this annual "food crawl" here in Cebu. It's now on its 4th edition. Of course, the organizing team is no less than the premier blogging group of the Queen City of the South, the Cebu Bloggers Society.

This year's theme is "Sustainable Dining". It will be a four-day gastronomic endeavor participated by food bloggers and influencers all over the Philippines with guests coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The said event would like to support the Zero Food Waste lifestyle.

For a more up close and personal update, catch me up on my Instagram (@Xerendipity1) and Facebook Page (Hershey Kisses) from November 30 to December 3, 2018 as the group (food crawlers) would hop from one dining place to another across the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

You may also check the Cebu Food Crawl Facebook page for updates too: https://www.facebook.com/CebuFoodCrawl/

Cebu Food Crawl 2017 Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 07:59:00 +0000

Cebu Food Crawl: Something to make us salivate for the rest of the holidays. We have so many exciting restaurants and food-finds to share with you during the 3rd edition of this Cebu Food Crawl. For Day 1, we had three gastronomic journeys to start with. Each has its own flavor flare, palatable style, and distinctiveness. We had a tummy-filled experience with these mouth-watering dishes as we took time to taste and savor all that we could.

First Stop is at Stan's Tinolahan + Grill

Location: No. 777 Jasmin St. Capitol Site, 6000 Cebu City
Type of food: Filipino (Tinola and Grill)
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Over-all Place: Very spacious with ample of seats to accommodate patrons. High ceiling.
Operation time: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 10 PM
Contact: 0917-722-8877 or (032) 383-1925
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stans-Tinolahan-Grill-113142815896015/

We arrived around lunch time. Just a perfect timing for some hot soups that the restaurant is known for as we thought so. And yes, we were right. Located at the very heart of Cebu city's capitol area. Definitely easy to spot for first timers. The restaurant can be described as a hybrid of that of a fast food chain and a typical karenderia. And so they can be dubbed as an "Urbanderia".

I definitely enjoyed a variety of their dishes from soups to grilled sets of seafoods, chicken and pork. I highly recommend you to try their Grilled Tuna Panga, their Linarang na Tangigue and Crispy Tuna Buntot (all photos below). The Grilled Pompano is also not to be forgotten. I can taste the freshness of the fish. Of course, their menu will not disappoint you if you prefer chicken or pork. They all got it for you to eat.

Grilled Tuna Panga

Crispy Buntot ng Tuna

Grilled Hamachi

Grilled Pompano

Inihaw na Pusit (Grilled Squid)

Dinuguan and Grilled Tangigue

Larang na Tangigue

Crispy Fried Chicken, Grilled Chicken Leg Quarter, Soy Garlic Chicken

Soups: Pochero, Tinolang Manok na Native, Tinolang Tangigue

BTW, Stan's Tinolahan + Grill also caters to nearby deliveries. Their target market would be the nearby hospitals, universities and residents surrounding the area. I can definitely vouch for the cleanliness of the place. They also have ample parking spaces and their pricing is reasonable for that matter, it means, affordable.

Here's a short video clip we dedicate to Stan's Tinolahan + Grill as the first stop of our 2017 Cebu Food Crawl (3rd Edition):

STAN'S Tinolahan + Grill through video medium

Just to further let you know, if you are from Manila, Stan's Tinolahan + Grill will open a branch there offering the best of Cebu's cuisine especially the Larang, Tinola, Pochero, Grilled Tuna Panga and Crispy Buntot ng Tuna.

The Cebu Food Crawlers on their first foto de familia at the 1st Food Stop

Check and follow on social media through their hashtag: #StansTinolahan

***

Time for our second stop in ENYE by Chele Gonzales and AZURE at Crimson Resorts & Spa Mactan

#CebuFoodCrawl2017
#CebuInstaFiesta
#GumagandaAngArawMo
#ChooseArlei
#ArleiTravel

Arlei Travel and Tours will be our official transportation partner for this edition. They have available vans, coasters and private cars if you wish to have a tour here in CEBU!

Cebu Food Crawl 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 05:15:00 +0000

Cebu Food Crawl 2017 is the 3rd edition of the said food tour exclusively organized by the premier blogging group of Cebu, the Cebu Bloggers Society with project head, Atty. Ethelbert Ouano of http://nindotkaayo.com. Having said that, it will the my third time to participate in this food crawl with fellow bloggers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Here are participating partners and sponsors of our 2017 Cebu Food Crawl:

The Cebu Food Crawl 2017 will begin on November 30, 2017 and will end on December 3, 2017. That's obviously 4 days of gastronomic journey happening in Cebu.

Let me share with you our partial itinerary:

November 30, 2017

-Oakridge Horizons @ 10 AM
-Stan's Tinolahan @ 12 NN
-Crimson Resort and Spa @ 3 PM
-Cebu Parklane International Hotel @ 7 PM

December 01, 2017

-The Detox Bar @ 9 AM
-10 Dove Street Confectionary @12 NN
-Maayo Hotel @ 4 PM

December 02, 2017

-Rico's Lechon Mactan @ 10 AM
-Sushisake at Radisson Blu Cebu @ 2 PM
-Montebello Villa Hotel @ 6 PM
-The Sentral Cebu @ 10 PM

December 03, 2017

-Cebu Cardinal Bakeshop @ 9:00 AM
-The Pyramid @ 10:30 AM
-Cebu InstaFiesta at Ayala Center Cebu @ 1 PM
-Gibb's Hot Wings @ 8 PM

Arlei Travel and Tours will be our official transportation partner for this edition. They have available vans, coasters and private cars if you wish to have a tour here in CEBU!

Feel free to follow us with the following hashtags:

#CebuFoodCrawl2017
#CebuInstaFiesta
#GumagandaAngArawMo
#CebuFoodBlogger

L' Artisan French and Mediterranean Restaurant in Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 15:44:00 +0000

Name of Establishment: L'Artisan French Mediterranean Cuisine
Location: 880 Oakridge Business Park, A.S. Fortuna, Mandaue City
Type of Food: French & Mediterranean, sometimes fusion of Filipino Cuisine
Rating: 4 out of 5
Over-all place: Five Star service and place for a "casual" set up
Operation time: closed on Tuesdays, rest of the days, 11 AM to 10 PM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lartisanoakridge/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lartisanfrench
Zomato: Yes
WIFI: Yes
Contact: +63 32 415 5878 / 09254830244

Cebu Food Blogger: Let me share with you this video to summarize our food escapade in this new found dining place that offers French and Mediterranean dishes and some Pinoy fusion cuisine as well. I got my favorites and you will see that in the video (below).

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Here's a little history about this French and Mediterranean haven in the Queen city of the South. I had the luxury of getting to know the owners one day in that one fine sunny afternoon. The man behind the restaurant is a French guy, chef Jeffrey Broutin who is married to a Cebuana, Herley Herrera-Broutin. The couple met in Dubai years ago when they were busy with their own respective careers. While Chef Jeffrey worked as an executive chef at Meydan Hotel (Dubai), Herley spent her career with Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai as Human Resource officer. The couple married in April 2015. Herley confessed that Jeffrey fell in love with Cebu when he first visited the island and since up to this day, he decided to live in the city. On the same year as well on the 8th of December, they opened their first ever couple project, L' Artisan French Mediterranean Cuisine. Two years after, they are still in business operation.

The owners introduced a perfect way to enjoy their menu, i.e., "to eat with pleasure". Every food you will order from their menu will be crafted with special care and attention to detail, of course, not sacrificing the quality of the ingredients and the taste of authenticity to the French and Mediterranean cuisines.

The restaurant has a maximum seating capacity of 70 heads. While their conference room can cater to a max of 14 heads where the group can have their private meetings.

(post will be updated with photos and food descriptions)

Thanks for reading. Appreciate it. :)

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Cafe Marco's New Lifestyle: Sunday Brunch+

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 15:02:00 +0000

Name of Establishment: Cafe Marco
Location: The Marco Polo Plaza, Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Apas, Cebu City
Type of Food: Buffet (International, Asian, Continental, Filipino)
Rating: 5 out of 5
Over-all place: Five Star
Operation time: Brunch, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcopolocebu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcopolocebu
Zomato: Yes
WIFI: Yes
Contact: +63 32 253 1111
Email: fb@marcopolocebu.com

I had just a perfect timing to try Cafe Marco's introduction of a new lifestyle, that is the Sunday Brunch Plus (Sunday Brunch+) a day ago with fellow friends from my blogosphere social circle. With this set up, expect it to be a Sunday thing to forever with Cafe Marco. I definitely feasted on the various cuisines, desserts, boozes (with live local acts setting the buffet mood)! I was there devouring food I can and drinking wines and mocktails unlimited and thinking to having a lifetime of sundays spending it at Cafe Marco. It could be an expensive Sunday lifestyle after all. But what is "good" food? I can't bargain that for anything. What do you think?

So how is BRUNCH defined?

Aside from the known fact that brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch, Cafe Marco's Sunday Brunch+ starts at 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

How much will you be spending for a brunch?

Brunch only is Php 1,450 nett
Brunch n’ Bubbles (with free-flowing drinks) is Php 1,800 nett
Kids 4 to 10 years old will have 50% discount (wow!)
Kids 3 years old and below eat for free at the Kids Buffet (wow 2.0)

So if you and your buddies are the type of "alcoholic" drinkers, I suggest you get the Brunch n' Bubbles as you will get free-flowing of wines (red and white), cocktails, and other standard drinks. Iced tea, perhaps!

For those targeting a gastronomic journey on a sunday, make sure you have "rooms" for a lot of food. I personally enjoyed some slices of roasted beef, cold cuts and cheeses, seafoods (from shrimps, to mussels, to clams), sushis and sashimis, and tried their D.I.Y burger where I had my patty within croissant.

Best of Cebu's 2017 Best Cookies, the Malicious cookies

And here's one thing I've discovered when I went there, they introduced 3 new signature frappes: the strawberry Cheesecake Frappe, Coco Latik Frappe, Monster Chocolate Doughnut Frappe. It's not part of the unlimited drinks. It will cost you around Php 196. And if you heard of Bloody Mary tomato poison which is perfect for hang-overs, Cafe Marco has a D.I.Y Bloody Mary station for that. For a single order, it will cost you around Php 180. But if you get the Brunch n' Bubbles, expect it to be "free flowing". Now, I can see you smiling from ear-to-ear.

She's giving me BLOODY MARY!

My favorite is the COCO LATIK frappe (middle)

Since Cafe Marco is introducing a lifestyle, they also offer a free five-minute massage after you dine in. And to complete the Sunday Brunch+ laid back sesh, you can head straight to the El Viento restaurant and Pool bar and take the chance to dip in the pool (even if it's beyond 2:30 pm)! Marco Polo Cebu is indeed very generous with happiness with your "lovies"... So don't forget to bring your swimwear and of course your underwater camera!

Please watch this video below: my #SundayBrunch+ experience at Cafe Marco (video still editing).

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Nabe-ya is now Open in A.S. Fortuna, Banilad

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 13:48:00 +0000

Name of Business: Nabe-ya Shabu Shabu & Hotpot
Location: AYS Building, 2nd floor of Hamakaze Collagen Chicken soup, A.S. Fortuna, Banilad, Mandaue City
Type of Food: Authentic Japanese Cuisine
Rating: 5 out of 5
Over-all place: Contemporary Interiors, 24-seater
Operation time:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nabeyashabushabu/
Instagram: none
Zomato: No
WIFI: No
Contact: +63 32 505 4220

I went there during their opening and was one of the first customers to taste their Shabu Shabu and Hotpot dishes. Taste didn't disappoint and it's really authentic Japanese cuisine. Below is my summary experience:

This blog post will be updated with more details. Keep updated!

Tsuki Japanese Dining in Mabolo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 07:26:00 +0000

Name of Business: Tsuki-Japanese Dining
Location: Sarrosa Hotel, F. Cabahug St., Kasambagan, Mabolo, Cebu City.
Type of Food: Authentic Japanese Cuisine
Rating: 5 out of 5
Over-all place: Modern Interiors, 30-seater inside, 10-seater outside.
Operation time: Lunch, 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM; Dinner, 06:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Facebook: https://facebook.com/%E6%9C%88-Tsuki-Japanese-Dining-1231813446910070/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsukicebu/
Zomato: Yes
WIFI: Yes
Contact: +63 32 262 7508

Cebu Food Blogger: How do you know a Japanese restaurant is authentic? One indication would be, the head chef is a full-blood Japanese. No one knows better with the cuisine than themselves, the Japanese. I have spoken to the chef himself, a 40-ish from Osaka, Mr. Kazuo Sato. He is well-experienced in making sushis and sashimis way back when he was still 19 years-old. That's a test of time. He also went to the US for some culinary studies and practice.

Have you ever wondered why they named it Tsuki? According to one of the owners, Mr. Hiroaki Ishi, it translates to "moon" in English.

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So let's go the real food story. I'm not a fan of Japanese cuisine myself, but on that day, when I visited Tsuki Japanese Dining, I became a "convert". I'll let you know my favorites! Well, it could be all!

First, I had their Sashimi set. On the plate are varieties of seafood meat like Tuna, Salmon, Lapu-Lapu, "Tamarong" and thin slices of squid. Of course, there is wasabi. Garnishes like cucumber and strings of radish. I find it a good starter for a hearty meal. Price: Php 480

The next thing I tried is their Hakozushi Unagi (Eel). And boy, it became an instant favorite! It has a touch of sweetness and sauce, perhaps, Oyster sauce. I never thought, the eel would taste that good! Price: Php 450

Another menu that flirted my palate is their Salmon Teriyaki! The serving is good and yes, taste really delicious! Price: Php 350

They also served Tako Karaage which is a friend octopus. I personally don't eat one but when I got to taste it, the meat is tender, a bit chewy but I was able to eat it! And yes, it worked well with the lemon squeeze! Try it. Price: Php 180

I also had Tori Karaage which is their fried chicken. I don't fancy it. I would still prefer, Jollibee's! But it's the Japanese-way, so maybe you may want to try it! Price: Php 210

Here's a little pricey on the menu that I really liked! It's their tenderloin steak at Php 790. I can say, the price is just right! It's really 'tender' and taste-wise, I approved it. I beg to have a second order!

Of course, I had sushi and it's called Rainbow Roll. It had Cebu's fresh mangoes and a variety of meat rolled on individual sushi of tuna, salmon, lapu-lapu, and shrimp. Price: Php 330

Arriving late on the table is the Ebi Tempura which is also good with fried seaweeds at Php 350.

I was also served with fried rice at Php 180. Well, not the usual fried rice you always have. It's tasteful!

A visit to a Japanese restaurant is not complete without having Miso soup.

Photo credits: Lyssa Amor Diaz of lyssaamor.asia

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Cebu Parklane’s New Tea-based alcohol drinks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 13:19:00 +0000

Name of Business: Cebu Parklane International Hotel
Location: Cor Archbishop Reyes Ave and Escario St. Cebu City
Type of Drinks: Cocktails and Beers
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Over-all place: Cozy and modern
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahotelincebuthatstandsforcebu
Website: http://www.parklanehotel.com.ph/
Zomato: Yes
WIFI: Yes
Contact: +63 32 234 7000 | +63 32 4117000

Cebu Food Blogger: Me and my fellow Cebu bloggers experienced an afternoon soiree of summer drinks that are tea-based alcohol at Cebu Parklane International Hotel last week. We are the very first to taste their soon-to-launch new beverages to be added on their menu of drinks. And I will let you know what got top on my tastelist.
I like mocktails so much as I love cocktails. And I have to be really biased when it comes to mojitos and margaritas. These two are my top favorites on a regular Sunday chill or perhaps if I’m in a bar with my “amegahs”.

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Cebu Parklane has great food as well. I’ve been here several times celebrating special occasions like birthdays and Christmas parties with friends. Will that make me a patron of the hotel? What do you think?
Now, are you ready for my rankings?

My personal choice is MIGUERITA which is Cebu Parklane’s signature cocktail. It’s the typical “margarita” with a splash of blue curacao which they added to our favorite San Miguel Light. Soon, they will introduce a cocktail mixing it with other flavored drinks. I can’t wait to taste it.

Aside from the Miguerita, Cebu Parklane introduces 3 fresh flavors from their alcohol department. These are Backhouse Tea, Gin Berry Sensation, and Lemon Mint. Out of the 3, I rank Backhouse Tea as my favorite.

BACKHOUSE TEA – is a concoction of iced tea, honey and tequila. Definitely, it played flirty to my palate and I instantly got tempted by it so I gave in. It’s sinfully good for me. If you’re an Iced tea fan, I bet you might love it. I put it 2nd to my list but first out of the 3 tea-based cocktails they introduced.

GIN BERRY SENSATION- it’s a symphony of sweet syrups, grenadine with gin mixed with berry tea. Also served with cherries. It’s kinda like sweet “punch” for me. It comes third in my ranking list.

LEMON MINT- is a vodka-based cocktail with the prime ingredient, LEMON. A few mix of Arabian mint and blue curacao are added to make the full body of this zesty drink. I certainly can’t taste the lemon because the mint flavor is quite strong. I hope they will adjust the flavors to balance it.

But hey, these are just my personal observations. Anyone is different. My top list could be not your favorite. Do let me know what’s on your ratings. Make sure to at least try all four of it. I’m excited on your own rankings.

Salute!

P.S.: Drink moderately.

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Rico's Lechon Newest and Biggest Branch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 07:07:00 +0000

Name of Business: Rico's Lechon Newest and Biggest Branch
Location: Axis Entertainment Avenue, Vibo Place at N. Escario St.
Type of Food: Lechon (Roasted Pig), Pinoy Food
Rating: 5 out of 5
Over-all place: Industrial design with huge mezzanine
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RicosLechonOFFICIAL/
Website: www.ricoslechon.com
Zomato: Yes
WIFI: Yes

Cebu Food Blogger: Days ago, we went to the newest and biggest (so far) branch of Rico's Lechon. Rico’s Lecon open its biggest branch in Escario.

An early Christmas present awaits to all lechon lovers out there. Cebu’s best lechon place, Rico’s Lechon will conquer central Cebu as they open their newest restaurant on Thursday, December 8, in N. Escario St.

Rico’s Lechon opens the door of its third and largest branch ahead of the holiday season. The newest home of the best lechon can now be accessible to Axis Entertainment Avenue, Vibo Place at N. Escario St. just a few minutes away from the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

The brand new hub for all occasion is a two-storey facility that features 100-seating capacity dining area and another 100-seating capacity function room. The expansion does not only cover the venue but the menu as well. Apart from its main attraction, which is their signature lechon, the restaurant also offers a wide array of Filipino dishes.

Enrico “Rico” Dionson, founder and chief executive officer of the chain restaurants, recognized the increasing demand of their lechon and events booking in Mactan and Mabolo branches. Bringing Rico’s Lechon closer to the heart of Cebu City would not only accommodate more customers but also reach out to those who may find it hard to access the first two branches.

Opening this new bigger branch of Rico’s Lechon is one way to say thank you to those who continuously patronize our product. We want to give all Cebuanos and tourists more accessible place to try our best lechon and show them that we have more special dishes to offer as well. Now, friends, colleagues, and families can all come and enjoy.

In February, Rico’s Lechon opened it second restaurant at the Mactan Promenade in Lapu-lapu City. The 90-seater restaurant is just a few meters away from the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

Rico’s Lechon in Axis Vibo Place is open daily from 8AM to 10PM for take-out; 10AM to 10PM for dine-in. In addition to dining in and takeout, it is also available for private events. For more information please visit our website www.ricoslechon.com.

Pizza Making Camp at Greenwich (Raintree Mall, Cebu)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 06:29:00 +0000

Name of Business: Greenwich Pizza
Location: Raintree mall, F. Ramos Street Corner General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Type of Food: Pizza and Pasta
Rating: 4 out of 5
Over-all place: Modern, has a mezzanine to accommodate more diners.
Contact: dial #5-55-55
Branches: 12 branches in Cebu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenwichPizza/
Zomato: Yes
WIFI: Yes
Cebu Food Blogger: Greenwich has finally, once again, introduced their overload favorites this summer starting with a Hawaiian Overload priced at P417 (barkada size). It's on thick crust. However, they won't limit us with those tidbits of pineapples only. They prepared various selections like the Ultimate Overload, All-meat Overload, Bacon Overload and 4-in-1 Overload. Whatever suits your palate this summer, go for it!

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Here's one thing that we enjoyed when we visited Greenwich. We tried their Pizza Making Camp activity with fellow Cebu Bloggers. It was a lot of fun and we find it really interactive and fulfilling to eat our own pizza creations after.

Let me boast, I'm now a CERTIFIED Pizza Maker courtesy of Greenwich. Hahahaha.

So let's check my pizza creation with love.

Of course, before preparing our pizza, we have to clean and wash our hands, wear an apron and the appropriate hairnet as we are dealing with food. It makes us experience the feel of a professional pizza maker.

Below is a short video while making my pizza.

For deliveries, visit: www.greenwichdelivery.com

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Wok'd Thai Take-Out

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 07:50:00 +0000

Name of Business: Wok'd Thai Take-Out
Location: Ground Floor, Streetscape, Paseo Saturnino, Ma. Luisa Road, Banilad, Cebu City
Type of Food: Thai Cuisine
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Over-all place: Casual dining place with an industrial modern interior design w/ an open kitchen
Contact: +63 32 268-4933
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wokdthai
Zomato: Yes
WIFI: Yes

Cebu Food Blogger: Let me start this by saying, "I love Thai foods". How much more if it's authentic and it's just located near to everyone? I would definitely visit the dining place everyday or perhaps, have their dishes delivered to my love nest. Wok'd Thai Take-Out is situated nearly at the heart of Cebu city in Banilad (refer address above). I'm certainly hooked to some of their traditional Thai recipes that is served fast and fresh. The restaurant also promises a potent blend of sights, sounds and scents.

Would you like to know what are my top picks? There are new to the ear but there's also something old from your favorite Thai dish. When you visit Wok'd, make sure to tag along someone or two of your closest friends as their servings are really generous (good for two or three). Really worth the penny.

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Starter

Out of the three dishes I tried. I highly recommend their PAPAYA SALAD. It's all made fresh from green papaya, carrots, peanuts, tomato and chilli dressed with tamarind and fish sauce. I would advise to inform the waiter to set the spiciness to "mild". If you want it so hot, they will adjust it accordingly. However, you can still have the option to try their CURRY PUFF. Their THAI FISH CAKE is a bit spicy for me maybe because of the red curry paste mixed with it.

Papaya Salad

Curry Puff

Thai Fish Cakes

Soups

If you want something traditional and more known Thai soup, then try their TOM YUM, of course. I find it really good, though, not the best tom yum soup here in Cebu. It is still worth to enjoy with your palate. I just thought it needs to be a bit "sour", maybe one level notch. Personally, I'm totally fine with what they have.

Tom Yum

For those who wants to load their carbo intake, they serve CHICKEN AND SEAFOOD LAKSA. I find it quite spicy. But it really tasted good. I would order it if their tom yum is not available.

Chicken and Seafood Laksa

Stir-fry

I've got two recommendations if you're not a soup-based fan. Their CHICKEN & CASHEW NUTS and GARLIC PORK & PEPPER are two of the stir-fried dishes I enjoyed. Chicken breast is used and they seasoned it with their homemade secret sauce. For the pork, they used pork cutlet with garlic and definitely seasoned with their homemade secret sauce too.

Chicken and Cashew Nuts

Garlic Pork and Pepper

If you are a beef-fan. I would suggest you order the THAI BEEF W/ CHILI AND BASIL. However, I just thought the taste is ordinary for me. But then again, everyone is different. Your taste bud is different from mine.

Thai Beef with Chili and Basil

Noodles

When you are visiting a Thai restaurant, it's a must that you should try their PAD THAI! I thought the SEAFOOD PAD THAI is the best among the dishes they served me that time. It has a perfect blend of fresh lemon, chives, seasoning, peanuts, seafoods, vegetables and their homemade pad thai sauce. It's definitely a staple in any Thai dining place. And Wok'd aced it!

Seafood Pad Thai

I also discovered and thus, highly recommend that you order their PAD SEE EW. This dish is new-sounding to my ear and it tasted really good! Flat noodles are used and it has chicken, prawn, egg, vegetables, homemade oyster sauce and sweet soy sauce. Imagine the blend of sweetness in this noodle dish.

Pad See Ew

If you prefer thin noodles, their SINGAPORE NOODLES dish is something you can try. It doesn't look nice but hey, it is yummy! And I think I love it as well! See? You really need to work that tongue for it.

Curry

You can't leave a Thai food house without even trying their signature curry dishes. At wok'd, I've tasted their MASSAMAN BEEF W/ ROTI and I instantly like it. The beef is so tender. And yes, you have to eat it with the ROTI.

Massaman Beef w/Roti

If you're a fan of green curry, you may want this combo seafood and chicken with vegetables in yellow curry paste and coco milk. It's called GANG GARI. It doesn't sound enticing to me, because it reminds me of something yucky. It sounds like Gang*****. Hahaha.. Don't mind it. The taste is really authentic curry.

Grilled

GAI YANG is a marinated chicken breast fillet grilled to perfection. It is best paired to the papaya salad. I actually like it and would order it when I get back to Wok'd.

Gai Yang

For those who prefers to eat fish, they also have GRILLED SALMON (Norwegian salmon). One suggestion though, eat it when it's fresh from the grill to enjoy the freshness taste of the fish, else, you won't appreciate this dish.

Grilled (Norwegian) Salmon

Rice

If eating in groups of two or three, I highly recommend their CHICKEN AND SEAFOOD FRIED RICE. It's not that flavorful and it plays well with all their Thai dishes. So you will still enjoy the taste of each menu.

Drinks

Dining in a Thai restaurant would require you not to only drink water but I highly recommend you get milk tea. At Wok'd, I had THAI MILK TEA. It helps in cleansing my palate with those flavorful and spicy Thai dishes I've tried and I certainly enjoy each symphony of flavors from my plate. If you are lactose-intolerant, they can serve you TRADITIONAL THAI ICED TEA but I find it really sweet with an after-kick on the throat. So, maybe you will stick with water or colas.

Thai Milk Tea

Traditional Thai Iced Tea

Let me give you some snapshots I took with its interiors:

A view from the dining area

An open kitchen

The Chefbuano.com taking a snap of the Grilled salmon dish

Could you guess that map?

Wok'd displays Thai sauces and condiments

Food preparation at Wok'd Cebu

I think I'm done. Have I tickled your appetite to try some Thai cuisine today? Let me know...

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Cebu Marriott Cocktails

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 16:36:00 +0000

Name of Business: Cebu City Marriott
Location: Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu City
Type of Food: International Buffet, cocktails
Rating: 5 out of 5
Over-all place: Modern and best for Fine Dining too. Very cozy.
Contact: +63 32 411-5800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cebumarriott
Zomato: Yes
WIFI: Yes

Cebu Food Blogger: To all my fellow readers and foodies online, I have a special treat for you courtesy of Cebu City Marriott. It could be that you have stumbled to this blog post, or GOOGLE brought you here, or Facebook referred you in, or could be you had a massage and spa experience and you got a surprise to have a good treat for your tummy! Whatever it is, consider yourself as LUCKY!

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We had the chance to create our own cocktails (DIY) at the Great Room

Below are the basic amenities and comfort lounges of Cebu City Marriott where you can avail a special discounted rate because you read this blog. Again, because you are reading this BLOG POST! Let me call it a Special Blogger Rate that I can pass on to you! Yes, I'm that CONFIDENT to give you a discount. All you need is SHOW this blog post before asking your "bill" when you dine.

However, I would strongly advise to call them for a reservation. But walk-ins are definitely welcome and will still be accommodated. Here's the no. to call: +63 32 411-5800

Find out what are these special discounts that you can enjoy as my reader. Please note, this offering is only valid until March 31, 2017. So put that in mind and schedule a visit to Cebu Marriott as early as NOW!

***

GARDEN CAFE

International Lunch Buffet

Monday – Friday
12:00 – 2:30 PM

PHP 499 net per person only (regular rate PHP 850)

Flavors or Asia – International Dinner Buffet

Monday – Thursdays and Sunday
6:00 – 10:30 PM

PHP 649 net per person only (regular rate PHP 1,200)

Great Room Lobby Bar
Mondays to Sundays
6:00 AM to 11:00 PM

*Enjoy a food and beverage 20% discount on total bill

Pool bar
Mondays to Sundays
6:00 AM to 11:00 PM

*Enjoy a food and beverage 20% discount on total bill

***

I highly recommend to try their cocktail of the month at the Palm lounge. You may also want to have yourself some booze for the night either of your favorite MOJITO (white rum), or DAIQUIRI (white rum and lime juice), or try their Bacardi Old Fashioned (aged rum) if you want something strong. But for a flirtatious kick while killing time, try their Long Glass (concoction of pineapple and white rum) cocktail.

Ready for our DIY cocktails at the Palm Lounge

Since you have read this blog post, you too deserve a treat! Of course, where else, but with Cebu City Marriott! Let me know your dining experience or your chill moments after enjoying the SPECIAL DISCOUNTS I'm giving to you by commenting below. Give me some love! :)

Here's something you can use or it will look like this on your mobile phones.

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Ampersand Bar & Restaurant: Best Cocktails in Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 16:47:00 +0000

Name of Business: Ampersand Bar & Restaurant
Location: G/F, Banilad Town Center, Banilad Cebu City
Type of Food: Cocktails, American
Rating: 5 out of 5
Over-all place: Perfect for casual dining
Contact: 416-1233 / 09951224364 / 0943-498-1744
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmpersandCebu/
Website: http://www.ampersand.com
Zomato: Yes
WIFI: Yes

The cocktail bar in Ampersand Cebu

Cebu Food Blogger: When ending a very gracious year among fellow Cebu bloggers calls for a nice bang and cheer, one great way to celebrate it is over ample of sumptuous food and overflowing booze of cocktails with Ampersand Bar & Restaurant. It's been a circus of bane and boon events in the local blogging scene but overall, it's exemplary. Ampersand has been very generous hosting our Cebu Bloggers Year-end 2016 party last December 30. It's a Greenery-themed cocktail kiki for bloggers to welcome 2017's official Color of the year. Definitely, we wore any shades of green.

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Part of any party are the food and drinks served on the table for guests to lavish on. And let me introduce you with what we had during our Greeny kiki. Of course, Ampersand has various choices of cocktails on their menu and is also known for their open kitchen.

The Drinks

They served us Five of their signature and original creation cocktails but we are not limited to just these. We had the Open Bar access for the night trying out almost all of their spirituous poison. We had alcohol fill our system and we called it a night thereafter. So here's my Top pick in order:

Circa 1934

I love it because it has fresh apple juice and lime juice as well. Gold and Black rum are added for a good kick. The addition of Cinnamon syrup, Ginger beer and Aromatic bitters gave the drink its texture and soul.

The Herbalist

This cocktail is a concoction of Tequila Blanco, Lime, Green Chartreuse, Housemade Ginger syrup, and Egg white with Rosemary as garnish. Talk about greens and herbs. This is how it got its name.

Cinco de Cuban

It is a mixture of three juices: cucumber, pineapple and lime. For a nice blend of alcohol, lemongrass infused rum is added. Pepper corn syrup to sweeten and spice it up, perhaps.

Filipino

The fourth one is the Filipino

This is surprising to have a cocktail named after a race, Filipino. Maybe because of its color? No pun intended. It's a rum-based liqueur of peanut butter washed rum and Coffee Liqueur. Whole egg is cracked and Gingerbread syrup to make it more festive to the taste.

Drunken Rabbit

If you like vodka, then this one is for you! It's a concoction of Vodka Citron, Bombay Gin, and Lemon. And you would know why it is called that way because of the carrot juice added to it with aperol, grapefruit syrup and egg white. But caution, if you're allergic to eggs, be warned!

The Food

Here are snapshots of the very palatable and tasty dishes we had with Ampersand. It's a must-try.

Cold cuts and cheeses

Slow Braised Lamb Shank

Rustic Pizza

Vegetarian Pizza


Spicy Chicken Wings (HOT)

Dining with Friends

A night before the big event, I went to a friend's birthday dinner shindig at the same restaurant as well. Here's our captive moment:

Perfect casual dining

Photo op with Cebu Bloggers Society

In all shades of Green

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Tom N Toms Coffee in Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 09:22:00 +0000

Name of Business: Tom N Toms Coffee
Location: The Greenery, Mabolo, Cebu City
Type of Food: Coffee, Tea, Smoothie, Froccino, Pastry, Pretzel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Over-all place: Industrial design with huge mezzanine
Contact: +63 919 999 5000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomntomscoffeecebu
Zomato: Yes
WIFI: Yes

Cebu Food Blogger: With years of K-pop hype and Korean tourists coming in to our Philippine archipelago, it is vehement to see Korean establishments sprouting like mushrooms in our Visayan metropolis. One latest addition is the opening of an original Korean franchise coffee house, Tom N Toms Coffee at the Greenery. This establishment is open 24 hrs daily. Coffeeholics and pretzel-lovers will surely get enthusiastic with this news. Of course, the coffee chain has more to offer from teas, smoothies to pastries.

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Last night, I got the chance to check this new Korean coffee nook, the first branch here in Cebu. And boy, it didn't disappoint. They have that "K" with their drinks and pastries. With over 100 plus choices of edibles, I'm confident to say that you'll have a good time in this house.

I'm not so much of a coffee person (what-a-shame) so my eyes pointed at their smoothies. I had their Blueberry Premium Fruit Yogurt Smoothie and I paired it with a plate of their delectable Honey Cheese Bread that is so good. Our group ordered some of their original and special pretzels. I liked the pepperoni one (one of the Italiano Pretzel selections).


Premium Fruit Yogurt Smoothie-Blueberry. Price range: Php 170 to 195.

I instantly love it. I can taste why it's called "premium". Available flavors are Blackberry and Green Apple. Will try these two when I get to visit it back.

This is the Honey Cheese Bread. Price: Php 195

A freshly, nearly-toasted bread with infused melted cheese, cream on top and drizzled with honey-caramel sauce.

Choco Butter Bread. Price: Php 195

If you're a chocoholic like moi, this butter bread with a drizzle of chocolate syrup will surely flirt your taste buds.

Garlic Butter Bread: Price: Php 185

Should I need to expand on this? This came late on the table but I would not think twice to have it again and take a bite.

Heart-shaped Pretzels!!! Price range: Php 110 to Php 175

What's unique with Tom N Toms Coffee is that their pretzels are freshly baked the moment you order them. You can actually watch while they prepare your preferred choice from plain, original, special (garlic, parmesan, cinnamon, cream cheese, almond), Italiano (pepperoni, corn, deli, apple cinnamon, or sweet potato), Dog and shrimp pretzels. Everything is fresh!

Since this is a new establishment in Cebu, let's do some ocular inspection inside. The mezzanine area is perfect for all types of meeting, you can have a closed-door meeting, a long-table meeting, a town hall, or a huddle room with your partners, or friends, or classmates or anyone.

At the ground floor area. Really spacious

Now, let's check the mezzanine area.

Want privacy? You can have a closed-door meeting in this glass room.

A few available seats and tables for a number of groups.

Got a no. of friends coming in? Opt to have this reserved for you?!

Let me share with you a few things I know about this Korean Coffee Shop.

The very first branch opened in 2001 in Seoul, South Korea in Apgujeong-dong District. They now have more than 600 branches in 9 different countries worldwide. Their first branch in the Philippines is in Bacolod city that opened in year 2015. The second one and the first franchise Korean coffee in Cebu is located at the Greenery, Mabolo with a target opening date on September 8, 2016.

“Tom N Toms is not just about coffee but a space where people get-together through our high-quality coffee and delectable menu. This is the Tom N Toms experience that people around the world has come to love that we are bringing here in Cebu,” said Tom N Toms Cebu General Manager Jay Alba.

The also have their original liquid concoction called TomNccino ice blended drinks. I'm soon to try one of its flavors.

“Tom N Toms is this space where ordinary Toms meet up and hang out to refresh the body and soul in a warm and relaxed atmosphere with coffee and good food. We hope to see Cebuanos to Tom N Toms in the coming days,” said Alba.

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Cebu Food Crawl 2016 - Treasure Hunt at Ayala Center Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 17:00:00 +0000

Cebu Food Crawl Treasure Hunt at Ayala Center Cebu

4th Day (Final Stop)

After raging our competitive spirits with Cebu City Marriott's surprise activity for all participating food crawlers, we then walk our way out to a connecting food escapade in Ayala Center Cebu. We had a minifood crawl at the different restaurants in Ayala Terraces. We were subdivided into four groups. My team is Blue. And I believe we have accepted the challenge with a full stomach.

This is our "passport" to get to the next restaurant.

This is what we call a progressive dinner! Our final destination, to culminate the end of the 2nd installment of our Cebu Food Crawl is no better than to be in the best mall in Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu.

Wow, Ayala Center Cebu made this especially for us, Cebu Food Crawl participants! So Sweet!

A sort of a landmark of the participating restaurant. At least, we have clue!

The first restaurant to host the blue team is Mooon Cafe. And they served us their best selller, Garlic shrimps and chimichangga (my fave). Yahoo!!! Well, no need to further explain this. I love shrimps and I can tell, I had it fresh!

30 minutes later, we went to a soupy trip to Laguna Garden for their Sinigang na Bangus sa Bayabas. And note, they are not using powdered guava. They use authentic and natural guava freshly picked from Laguna! How's that?

For our final "main course", we were brought to experience a taste of Asian cuisine at Ulli's streets of Asia. And we had the famous Bibimbap and combi pork platter.

To complete our dinner game, we had desserts at Grand Majestic Palace engaging ourselves with their yummy halo-halo and other sweet selections. What a night!

And that's how our progressive dinner for the 2nd installment of Cebu Food Crawl ended. We were all in awe and obviously, everyone gained weight!

Cebu Food Crawl 2016 - Cebu City Marriott Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 18:00:00 +0000

Cebu Food Crawl Cebu City Marriott Hotel

4th day (second stop)

Cebu City Marriott hotel has been so gracious with their hospitality. And they even brought our inner competitiveness within us when they challenged the food crawlers to create a version of smoothies using mangoes as the main ingredients. Challenge, accepted!!!

Cebu Food Crawl 2016 - Choobi Choobi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Cebu Food Crawl Choobi Choobi

4th day (first stop)

Choobi Choobi is a Fookien term which means "lingaw-lingaw" in our Cebuano dialect. In English, it means just having fun.

So what we were having?

Cebu Food Crawl 2016 - Sugbo Mercado Cebu Business Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 18:00:00 +0000

Cebu Food Crawl Sugbo Mercado Cebu Business Park (this post will be updated soon) A Food Crawl on Cebu’s Best The Cebu Bloggers Society, the first and premier blogging organization in Cebu, is once again organizing the Cebu Food Crawl in partnership with Smart and Ayala Center Cebu. On its maiden run last year, the Cebu Food Crawl took the participants and their blog and social media followers into a gastronomic journey of the exquisite and delightful taste of Cebu hinting everyone with new destinations in the progressive dining scene of Cebu. This year, Cebu Food Crawl will take place on August 26-29 and is aptly themed: "Destination Food". The 4-day food tour of different restaurants and hotels will highlight Cebu as a prime spot for food travelers. “Beyond the pristine white beaches and beautiful islands, Cebu is a melting pot of varied food influences inherited from its early inhabitants and colonial past enhanced with modern techniques and technology. Cebu Food Crawl celebrates Cebu as a foremost gourmet destination best known for practicality and glamour of its food,” Cebu Food Crawl Project Director, Atty. Ethelbert Ouano said. “This edition of Cebu Food Crawl promises to be bigger with the participation of top-notch establishments and restaurants like Ayala Center Cebu, Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, Marriott Cebu City Hotel, Rico’s Lechon, Mactan Newtown Alfresco, Gusto Mare and District on the 53rd by Anzani Group of Restaurants, Salinas Restaurant by Golden Cowrie, Choobi Choobi Restaurant, Gibbs’ Hot Wings, Profood, International Corp., Café Jasmin, and Sugbo Mercado, that will highlight food offerings that are synonymous to Cebu,” Ouano added.

Cebu Food Crawl 2016 - Salinas, a concept restaurant by Golden Cowrie

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 17:00:00 +0000

Cebu Food Crawl Salinas, a concept restaurant by Golden Cowrie

3rd day (third stop)

It's literally FIESTA-feel at the Salinas by Golden Cowrie. They almost served everything on their menu. And all of it is very hearty and delicious to the bottom of our tummies! We are so in for some Filipino cuisine and this is just a perfect place for that pinoy cravings!

Drool yourselves to these gastronomic snap shots of festivity!