With its crispy skin and tender juicy meat, Cebu lechon is known around the Philippines and even the world as extraordinarily delectable.
Diners now get to take their enjoyment of Cebu’s roasted pork to a whole new level with the opening of the Lechon Pit at The Mactan Newtown’s covered dining strip Mactan Alfresco.
“Nothing compares to Cebu lechon. When it comes to taste, Cebu’s culinary pride is unrivalled in other parts of the country. We want to show there’s more to lechon than its delectable crispy skin and juicy meat,” Tefel Pesigan-Valentino, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls head of marketing and business development, said during the Lechon Pit opening last July 1.
Cebu lechon roasting
At the Lechon Pit that’s located just beside Mactan Alfresco, diners get to witness firsthand how the world’s best pork dish, as recognized by Time Magazine in its Best of Asia 2009 issue and Anthony Bourdain in one episode of his travel show No Reservations, is prepared.
Every Saturday and Sunday, from 3 p.m. onwards, the Lechon Pit demonstrates the intricate process of Cebu lechon preparation, from seasoning to roasting and ultimately chopping and serving to guests.
Ayers Lechon, which has a food kiosk at Mactan Alfresco, currently operates the roasting pit, which can hold 12 lechons at a time.
Different experience
Valentino said tourists who want to enjoy a different kind of gastronomic experience can view the live roasting, dine on Cebu lechon fresh off the pit, and enjoy other Cebuano and Filipino dishes on offer at the 11 dining establishments in Mactan Alfresco.
Lapu-Lapu City tourism officer Hembler Mendoza said the live lechon roasting is an add-on to tourism in the historic island of Mactan. He added that Mactan Alfresco’s proximity to the historical destination Liberty Shrine, dedicated to Mactan native and hero Chieftain Lapu-Lapu, makes it doubly attractive to tourists.
