Food Archives - MyCebu.ph: Cebu News & Features

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February 11, 2019 9:34 pm February 11, 2019

Want a perfect Valentine’s Day? Bring your date to Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

MyCebu Partners

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What lovelier way to spend Valentine’s Day than celebrating it at Cebu City’s finest – Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. This Valentine season, Marco Polo Plaza is bringing back classic Valentine…

What lovelier way to spend Valentine’s Day than celebrating it at Cebu City’s finest – Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

This Valentine season, Marco Polo Plaza is bringing back classic Valentine traditions with fancy dinners, long-stemmed roses, romantic music entertainment, and love letters!

On February 14, bring your date to Café Marco, El Viento or the Lobby Lounge and indulge in our special Valentine feast featuring our international dinner buffet spread at P1,999 net per person with free-flowing standard drinks and wines.

VALENTINE DINNER. Seared scallops make a delicious starter for the Valentine’s Dinner at Blu Bar and Grill.

You may also choose to experience romance at a thousand feet up at Blu Bar and Grill with your special someone. For P2,800 net per person, enjoy an exquisite six-course dinner or make it more extraordinary with a wine pairing at P3,500 net per person. Your date will get a complimentary long-stemmed rose along with a souvenir photo of this special occasion.

Stay in this season of love and take your love one to greater heights in a lavish getaway with “Dear Love.” Spend a night in a Deluxe Mountain View room from a rate of P5,200 net per room night inclusive of an indulgent breakfast buffet for two and a bottle of wine. Stay validity is from January 29 to February 15.

Tomato and prawn bisque.

Celebrate Valentine’s with us and see how we exceed your expectations by making sure that everything is perfect. For inquiries and reservations, call 253-1111 or email [email protected]. Visit the website at www.marcopoloplazacebu.com.

MAIN COURSE. USDA Tenderloin Steak and Grilled Sea Bass are the main course for the Valentine’s Day dinner at Blu Bar and Grill.

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Food Lifestyle

The Abaca Group rewards diners with free treats in promo cards

January 28, 2019 9:22 am January 28, 2019

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The Abaca Group of great food comes up with an appealing offer for diners: a promo card for every order at any of its dining establishments. Get a card for…

The Abaca Group of great food comes up with an appealing offer for diners: a promo card for every order at any of its dining establishments.

Get a card for a Jake’s chicken sandwich or luncheonette burger for an order of P1,000 or more at Red Lizard, a free corn chien fried rice or phat cooler when you spend P1,000 or more at Phat Pho, and either a free pasta pomodoro or hand tossed pizza with orders of P750 or more.

I particularly love the freebies offered by the Abaca Baking Company: getting your second frozen or hot coffee drink for only P50 or free and a complimentary boxed retail with your first two orders.

PROMO CARDS. The Abaca Group promo cards with appealing offers to diners.

Signature treats

Nina Olalo, Events and Marketing Coordinator, said they wanted to reward diners with signature treats in The Abaca Group’s restaurants through a series of cool and distinct cards.

The promo cards come with fun scripts like “Have a brew-tiful day” and “I like you a latte” for the ABC coffee treats or “This is nacho ordinary snacks” for the mini nacho freebie at Red Lizard. There’s even “You & me pho’ever” for a free large pho with orders of P750 or more at Phat Pho.

The launching of the promo cards was held in Red Lizard.

Promo cards

Receive one of these 21 unique promo cards when you dine in at any of The Abaca Group restaurants, including Maya, Abaca Baking Company, Phat Pho, and Tavolata.

Other sumptuous treats offered for free or at a huge discount with #TheAbacaGroupPromoCards — chicken taquitos, mini nacjos, tacos, burritos, and queso dips at Red Lizard; corn chien fried rice, phat cooler, banh mi sandwich, egg rolls and phos at Phat Pho, and margarita at Maya.

The Abaca Group made the announcement during a gathering of media and bloggers at Red Lizard last Friday, January 25, 2019.

Photos of the launch at Red Lizard

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Food Lifestyle

Celebrate Sinulog at Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu

January 15, 2019 11:37 am January 15, 2019

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The beat is getting louder and louder for the grandest festival in the Philippines, Sinulog. A business hotel strategically located right on the pulse of Cebu City, Quest Hotel &…

The beat is getting louder and louder for the grandest festival in the Philippines, Sinulog. A business hotel strategically located right on the pulse of Cebu City, Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu takes part in the merriment with a series of activities throughout the week.

Starting January 16, guests may visit a replica of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño at the lobby, featuring a collection of images of the Señor Santo Niño. It will also house a mini kiosk offering Sinulog memorabilia and souvenirs.

BUFFET. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant Pusô Bistro & Bar offers Cebuano classics including the famous lechon, humba, fresh kilawin, and more at the Sinulog Lunch Buffet on Sunday, January 20.

As the weekend approaches, guests will witness a show of color and talent. The hotel’s very own Tribu Quest Dancers together with a Sinulog Queen will grace the lobby and present a Sinulog dance at 10 am and 2:30 pm on January 19 and 20. To perk up the beat on Sinulog Day, January 20, drum beaters Infinity Tribe will have an electrifying performance at 4:30 pm.

A fiesta is not complete without a spread of time-honored homegrown recipes. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant Pusô Bistro & Bar offers Cebuano classics including the famous lechon, humba, fresh kilawin, and more at the Sinulog Lunch Buffet on Sunday, January 20.

SINULOG QUEEN. The hotel’s very own Tribu Quest Dancers together with a Sinulog Queen will grace the lobby and present a Sinulog dance at 10 am and 2:30 pm on January 19 and 20.

Guests dining in groups of 8 or more enjoy a celebratory 15% discount on the regular buffet rate. Regular rates are P700 net for lunch and P850 for dinner. To mark the wonderful occasion, a free Sinulog photo booth will be stationed at the lobby from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm also on Sunday.

It truly is a fun fiesta throughout the Sinulog weekend at Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu. For inquiries or reservations, please call (63 32) 402 5999 or send an email to [email protected]. For real-time updates, guests may follow @questhotelcebu and @pusobistro on Instagram; and facebook.com/cebuquesthotel and facebook.com/pusobistro on Facebook.

January 14, 2019 1:20 pm January 14, 2019

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Food

Have a Sinulog feast with Sugbusog at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

MyCebu

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Carry on with the festivities at Marco Polo Plaza as it celebrates Cebu’s grandest festival, Sinulog, with the hotel’s most iconic Culinary Journey – Sugbusog. Café Marco kicks off this…

Carry on with the festivities at Marco Polo Plaza as it celebrates Cebu’s grandest festival, Sinulog, with the hotel’s most iconic Culinary Journey – Sugbusog.

Café Marco kicks off this year with its first Culinary Journey, Sugubusog Gihapon, keeping the tradition on featuring a feast of classic Cebuano favorites such as lechon, humba, barbecue, puso and more! Keep the tradition and celebrate this vibrant festival with us! Discover more of Cebu through a gastronomic adventure starting at Cebu’s best premium buffet restaurant, Café Marco, from January 15 to 21.

CEBU LECHON. Culinary favorites like lechon, humba, puso, and many more are on the menu during the Sugubusog Gihapon from January 15 to 21 at Café Marco in Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

Celebrate the city-wide fiesta with your family and friends at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu with this exciting Culinary Journey at Cafe. Eat, Pray and Pit Señor!

For inquiries and reservations, call 253-1111 or email [email protected]. Visit the website at www.marcopoloplazacebu.com.

SINULOG DANCE. Performs dance the Sinulog at the Marco Polo Plaza hotel lobby.

December 22, 2018 5:43 pm December 22, 2018

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Food

Maayo Hotel serves Christmas Feast for the holidays

MyCebu Brand Content

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Turkey, ham, and other Christmas dishes are available along with the international buffet spread at Uma Restaurant in Maayo Hotel. From December 20 to 30, guests can partake of a…

Turkey, ham, and other Christmas dishes are available along with the international buffet spread at Uma Restaurant in Maayo Hotel.

From December 20 to 30, guests can partake of a Christmas Feast lunch and dinner buffet at Uma for P699++ per person. Lunch is available from 12 pm to 2:30 pm and dinner from 6 pm to 10 pm.

What better way to celebrate the season than to have #MAAYOngPasko with your family and friends?

On Christmas Eve, enjoy an exquisite set menu with your loved ones at Ani Restaurant. Indulge in a five-course menu complete with wine pairing for only P2,500 per person. The Christmas Set Menu is available this December 24 and starts at 6 pm.

Celebrate the night before Christmas by savoring an international buffet spread featuring all-time Noche Buena favorites. Feel the Christmas Spirit with a meaningful serenade by a Christmas Choir.

Maayo Hotel’s Christmas Eve Dinner is priced at P1,450 nett per person and is available at Uma Restaurant from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Spend Christmas Day with your family and indulge in a decadent buffet spread featuring Christmas favorites. The Lunch and Dinner buffet is priced at P1,450 nett per person and is available from 12 pm to 2:30 pm and from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

For table reservations and inquiries, call (032) 517 0200, email [email protected] or follow us on our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram @maayohotelcebu.

More photos of the buffet spread

Adobo rice

Adobo

Garlic butter mussels

Adobong nokus.

Roast beef in pepper sauce.

Turkey

The tree at the lobby.

December 18, 2018 1:40 pm December 18, 2018

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Food

Have a Christmas feast at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

MyCebu Brand Content

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Gather friends and family for a feast worthy of the season by heading to Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. Indulge in Christmas ham, roast turkey, chicken relleno, and…

Gather friends and family for a feast worthy of the season by heading to Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

Indulge in Christmas ham, roast turkey, chicken relleno, and other holiday goodies on top of its sumptuous international buffet spread at lunch or dinner in Cafe Marco. The Festive Buffet is available from December 16 to 23 and December 26 to 30.

Roast turkey.

Rates for the buffet are P1,300 net per person for lunch and P1,600 net per person for dinner.

On December 24, Cafe Marco’s buffet is P1,300 net per person for lunch and P2,550 net per person. for dinner. Dinner is inclusive of free-flowing house wines,
local beer, chilled juices, and sodas. You can avail yourself of 20% discount on the buffet price from 10 pm to 12 am for a festive noche buena.

Christmas ham.

You can also celebrate an intimate Christmas evening with your loved ones at a thousand feet up on December 24 at Blu Bar & Grill, which will offer a festive 6-course set dinner with wine pairing at P4,700 net per person.

On Christmas Day, celebrate with your family and friends at Café Marco’s lunch buffet at P1,300 net per person and dinner buffet at P2,550 net per person with free-flowing house wines, local beer, chilled juices, and sodas.

Assorted Christmas cookies and biscuits.

Glazed Fruit and Raisin Rolls

Christmas Log Cake

Chicken Relleno

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Dairy Queen brings best selling ice cream to Cebu

November 6, 2018 10:24 am November 6, 2018

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Touted as one of the most delicious ice cream brands in the world, Dairy Queen begins serving its signature soft serve products to Cebuanos as it simultaneously opens its SM…

Touted as one of the most delicious ice cream brands in the world, Dairy Queen begins serving its signature soft serve products to Cebuanos as it simultaneously opens its SM City Cebu and Robinsons Cybergate branches today.

The Dairy Queen Cebu branches carry the bestselling Blizzard, which is soft serve ice cream mixed with such ingredients as fruit, chocolate chunks, cookie, and nuts, as well as ice cream cakes, ice cream sandwich, and dilly bar.

One of the unique features of the DQ Blizzard is it is served upside down and there are two reasons for this, according to Lorent Adrias, Chief Marketing Officer of Philippine Pizza, Inc. (PPI).

RED SPOON. Each serving of Dairy Queen comes with its iconic red spoon. A company official says customers have come to look at it as the “pathway to happiness.”

Served upside down

The brand wants to make the customer experience fun and at the same time show the quality of its ice cream, he added. Aside from Dairy Queen, PPI also holds the franchise for Pizza Hut and Taco Bell in the Philippines.

“Serving the Blizzard upside down is an affirmation of the quality of our ice cream. The thick and creamy consistency of the ice cream makes it possible,” Adrias also said.

Another Dairy Queen icon is the red spoon, which comes with every serving of soft serve ice cream. Customers have come to look at it as the “pathway to happiness,” he cited.

Dairy Queen’s ice cream sandwich.

Oldest franchise

Dairy Queen has been around for 78 years, making it the oldest franchise in the whole world, said the brand’s VP for Operations Erryl Ramos.

Including the two newly-opened branches in Cebu, DQ now has 108 stores all over the Philippines.

Ramos said during a media preview last night that he believes the opening sales for Cebu will surpass the highest store opening record held by SM City Clark.

CEBU BRANCHES. In Cebu, Dairy Queen is available in SM City Cebu (above) and Robinsons Cybergate.

Dairy Queen Cebu branches

The Dairy Queen Cebu stores are the first outside of Luzon, said Adrias, adding they decided to open here because the Cebuanos have been very active in asking for a DQ branch in Cebu on social media.

Adrian said they want Dairy Queen to be the Filipinos’ treat of choice for life’s little and big victories.

The SM City Cebu branch is located beside the newly renovated Pizza Hut restaurant. New Pizza Hut features include a different look, new menu, takeout window, and open kitchen. It can accommodate about a hundred customers.

September 14, 2018 10:43 am September 14, 2018

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Food

Marco Polo holds tapas night to open Sabores de España

Max Limpag

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Where 2 of Cebu’s pre-eminent food writers head to, there you follow. In last night’s Sabores de España opening at the lobby lounge of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, it was…

Where 2 of Cebu’s pre-eminent food writers head to, there you follow. In last night’s Sabores de España opening at the lobby lounge of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, it was the station that held Manchego cheese.

I’d return with Manchego cheese in my luggage, culinary writer Aissa dela Cruz told our group of bloggers and writers. She said she buys it during trips outside the country because it’s “so much more expensive here.” It’s hard cheese so it keeps well, she pointed out.

Dr. Nestor Alonzo, food columnist for The Freeman, quickly headed to the platter shortly after hamming it up with Marco Polo Plaza Cebu General Manager Brian Connelly as he took photos of the tapas spread. “Take photos of him taking photos,” Connelly said as he playfully posed with Alonzo.

Manchego cheese

Culinary journey

And it was to the Manchego cheese – traditional Spanish cheese, Alonso explained to me – that I returned to again and again last night.

Sabores de España, now on its 12th year, is part of the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s widely anticipated and annual Culinary Journeys. The series highlights the culinary prowess of the Marco Polo team – from Bisdak favorites in January to Swiss, Indian, Spanish, and French throughout the year.

Chorizo in puff pastry

“I also want to remind everybody that this is the 12th year that we’re holding this event,” Connelly said in a short speech to open the event. “It is our commitment to continually develop the different cuisines in the different parts of the world, in different countries, so that we could share the rich tapestry of food around the world with our guests, our friends, and our customers,” he said.

Connelly said he grew up in a part of the United States that was colonized by Spain and thus was heavily influenced by Spanish cuisine.

Dr. Nestor Alonzo and Marco Polo Plaza Cebu General Manager Brian Connelly.

Cutting of jamon serrano

He ended his speech with a recommendation for the guests to try Marco Polo’s sangria saying their culinary team did a great job in preparing them. He particularly recommended the white sangria.

To officially mark the opening of Sabores de España, Marco Polo held a ceremonial cutting of the jamon serrano. Connelly led the cutting along with longtime Spanish food consultant Gema Pido, Amigos de España en Cebu President Myra Gonzalez, and Honorary Consul to Spain Anton Perdices.

Cutting of jamon serrano Sabores de España

CUTTING OF THE JAMON SERRANO. Cutting the jamon serrano to mark the opening of Sabores de España are (from left) Marco Polo Plaza Cebu General Manager Brian Connelly, Amigos de España en Cebu President Myra Gonzalez, Honorary Consul to Spain Anton Perdices, and longtime Spanish food consultant Gema Pido.

After the ceremony, Gonzalez gave a short speech wishing the festivities success.

Sabores de España will run until Sunday, September 16. On these dates, Spanish dishes such as the mainstay paella, jamon serrano, fabadas, lengua estofado, and assorted tapa will be made available along with the international lunch and dinner buffet spread in Cafe Marco.

Facebook Live broadcast of the opening

More photos of the Sabores de España opening

Chef Juanito Abangan oversees preparations of the Spanish spread.

Sangria

Olives and manchego cheese

Bonquerones

September 4, 2018 9:45 am September 4, 2018

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Food

Kimstaurant brings taste of Korea to Cebu

MyCebu

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If you love Korean food, head to Kimstaurant at The Greenery in Cebu City and indulge yourself in authentic and delicious dishes from the Land of the Morning Calm. From…

If you love Korean food, head to Kimstaurant at The Greenery in Cebu City and indulge yourself in authentic and delicious dishes from the Land of the Morning Calm.

From fall-off-the-bone tenderness and standout deliciousness of Beef Galbi Jjim or braised beef short ribs to the must-try Soy Sauce Chicken, a bonchon-style fried chicken made from a recipe perfected by Kimstaurant General Manager Peter Kim, the restaurant brings the flavors of Korea to Cebu.

SIDE DISHES and appetizers including kimchi.

Kimstaurant opened in Bacolod City in October 2010. Kim said he noticed that there were only a few Korean restaurants in the city and decided to put one up, “with the goal for it to be the best Korean restaurant in the city.”

Kimstaurant later became a go-to dining destination for Bacolod locals. Kim said in an interview that 90% of their customers are locals.

“I always focus on the locals, not the Koreans,” Kim said during a media preview yesterday in Kimstaurant. He said they import their ingredients from Korea, stressing that their dishes are authentic.

Apart from Beef Galbi Jjim and Soy Sauce Chicken, the other dishes that stood out in yesterday’s media preview were the Japchae, a mixed dish of boiled bean threads, stir-fried vegetables, and shredded meat and the Dolsot Bibimbap — sizzling stone pot rice mixed vegetables, beef, kotsujang (Korean chili paste), and egg.

SOY SAUCE CHICKEN. bonchon-style fried chicken made from a recipe perfected by Peter Kim, Kimstaurant’s general manager.

Those who are more adventurous can try the Yukhoe, which is a Korean style raw beef dish with egg. The menu lists this as Kim’s favorite.

Kimstaurant also offers a varied selection of Yakiniku, including Samgyupsal, Deji Galbi, and Kosal, which diners can eat all they can from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. These come with unlimited servings of side dishes and appetizers, including kimchi.

Kimstaurant is located on the Ground Floor of The Greenery, along Pope John Paul II Avenue, Cebu City. It is open from 11 am to 11 pm. You can call in reservations at +63 945 988 5541. For more information, visit their website at www.kimstaurant.com, or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kimstaurant.

More photos of media preview in Kimstaurant Cebu

JAPCHAE. Mixed dish of boiled bean threads, stir-fried vegetables, and shredded meat.

BEEF GALBI JJIM or braised beef short ribs.

DOLSOT BIBIMBAP is a dish of sizzling stone pot rice mixed vegetables, beef, kotsujang (Korean chili paste), and egg.

RAW BEEF. Yukhoe is a Korean style raw beef dish with egg and is a favorite of the restaurant’s General Manager Peter Kim.

MEDIA PREVIEW. Kimstaurant held a media preview in its branch in Cebu.

KIMCHI and other side dishes and appetizers.

PETER KIM, the restaurant’s general manager, answers questions from journalists and bloggers during the media preview.

KIMSTAURANT CEBU is open from 11 am to 11 pm.

KIMSTAURANT CEBU is located on the ground floor of The Greenery on Pope John Paul II Avenue in Cebu City.

Kimstaurant menu

(Note: this menu is valid as of article date, which is September 4, 2018. Please check with the restaurant.)

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Food

Have a Spanish fiesta in Marco Polo with Sabores de España

September 3, 2018 12:09 am September 3, 2018

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Discover Spain in the most delicious way possible by joining Sabores de España in Marco Polo Plaza Cebu from September 14 to 16. On these days, Gema Pido, Cebu’s authority…

Discover Spain in the most delicious way possible by joining Sabores de España in Marco Polo Plaza Cebu from September 14 to 16. On these days, Gema Pido, Cebu’s authority on Spanish cuisine, will lead the hotel’s team of culinary experts in preparing a delectable spread of Spanish dishes.

This culinary delight will feature Spanish specialties such as jamon serrano, paella, fabadas, lengua estofado, assorted tapas, and of course Café Marco’s very own Spanish sangrias.

Explore this distinctive cuisine that has influenced the Filipino cooking and eat your way through the sumptuous lineup of Spanish dishes together with Café Marco’s regular delicious spread of international cuisine.

For inquiries and reservations, call (032) 253-1111 or email [email protected].

SPANISH INFLUENCE. Sabores de España will run from September 14 to 16 in Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

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3 min read

Cebu Journeys 2018 showcases local destinations, products

August 29, 2018 3:54 pm August 29, 2018

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Local delicacies and travel products in 20 Cebu towns and cities are showcased at the Cebu Provincial Capitol during the 3-day travel fair Cebu Journeys 2018. The fair closes tomorrow,…

Local delicacies and travel products in 20 Cebu towns and cities are showcased at the Cebu Provincial Capitol during the 3-day travel fair Cebu Journeys 2018. The fair closes tomorrow, August 30.

On display at the Capitol Social Hall are homemade rhums and jams from Samboan, Guilang’s tablea from Argao, cranberry juice from Santander, ground and roasted coffee beans from Tuburan, rice cakes and budbud from Asturias, podreda cookies from Oslob, cassava cookies from Tudela, and a wide range of specialty merchandise produced from abundant local resource.

Torta and tableya from Argao.

Travel made easier

There are such products as hablon from Argao, decorative pieces made using upcycled materials from Naga, baskets from Tabogon and San Remigio, woven mats from Pilar, soap and polvoron with goat milk as main ingredient from Bogo, and turmeric tea from Alegria.

Through Cebu Journeys 2018, which is initiated by the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office, travel to top local destinations has also been made easier.

Tuburan coffee.

Ever wanted to visit or go on a repeat trip to Camotes? You can get all the information you need from representatives of local government units that make up the Camotes Group of Islands present at the travel fair.

The town of Dalaguete offers a tour package that includes excursions to historical landmarks, cold spring and mountain, flower and strawberry farms, and vegetable market.

Cranberry juice from Santander

Town destinations

Oslob showcases island getaways to Sumilon, waterfalls experience, and whale shark adventure.

Aloguinsan offers the Bojo River Cruise with sumptuous lunch and snacks as well as handicraft demo.

Want a more adventurous tour? Alegria has you covered with its canyoneering experience.

Hablon from Argao.

South of Cebu, the Naga boardwalk is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. That’s not all it offers, though. It also has treks to Mt. Naupa and world class sports facilities that include an eight-lane Olympic size swimming pool.

The dive paradise that is Moalboal also offers beach and island hopping experiences as well as caving and heritage site visits.

OPENING. Cebu First Lady Jobel Davide and Department of Tourism Central Visayas Director Shalimar Tamano lead the opening of Cebu Journeys 2018 at the Capitol Social Hall.

Guests get a passport stamped with the 20 participating Cebu towns and cities. They will need to have all these signed by local government representatives. In the passport are three questions about Cebu that they must answer before they can submit it with their details to organizers for a chance to win great prizes.

MUSIC. Trixie Anne Alturas of Parklane with her colleagues perform during the event.

The event is sponsored by Smart Communications Inc.

Get all the details to top Cebu destinations and enjoy local delicacies while you’re at it when you check out the Cebu Journeys 2018 Travel Fair.

THE CHEFS. These chefs of different Cebu hotels showcased Cebuano cuisine with a high-end twist. The chefs are June Fernandez of Parklane, Melba Pranza of Golden Prince, Deofrey Vistal of Radisson Blu, Coke Semblante of Radisson Blu, and Richard Hao of USJ-R.

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Food

Get chance to travel, dine in London and Paris with Ayala Center Cebu

August 24, 2018 12:11 pm August 24, 2018

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Filipinos love to eat and travel. Whether in the country or abroad, wanderlust drives the thirst for adventure and hunger for foodie experiences. Diners at Ayala Center Cebu will get…

Filipinos love to eat and travel. Whether in the country or abroad, wanderlust drives the thirst for adventure and hunger for foodie experiences.

Diners at Ayala Center Cebu will get the chance to win one of 5 tickets for 2 to London and Paris including 5 days and 4 nights luxury accommodations, land transfers, a private tour, spa treatment and dinner at 3 Michelin-starred restaurants between the 2 destinations.

To join, present to the concierge near Vero Moda a valid transaction slip of at least P1,000 issued from August 17 to December 31, 2018 using a credit, debit or prepaid Mastercard from any participating or specialty restaurant to receive a raffle coupon. This Bon Appetrip promotion is ongoing until December 31.

The Mastercard cardholder is entitled to 1 raffle coupon for every transaction made at selected specialty restaurants, and 2 raffle coupons for every transaction made at restaurants who participate in the Buy 1 Get 1 promo of Bon Appetrip, where a complimentary dish is given when ordering the featured dish of the day on August 17, August 27, September 2, September 28, October 15, October 28, November 3, November 12, December 5 and December 18.

For the complete list of participating restaurants, visit Ayala Center Cebu on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AyalaCebu and follow @AyalaCenterCebu on Twitter and Instagram. For more information, contact the Ayala hotline at 888-3808 or 888-3790.

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Food

Abaca Baking Company opens in Robinsons Galleria Cebu

August 19, 2018 4:01 pm August 19, 2018

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The freshly-made artisanal pastries of Abaca Baking Company (ABC) are now available in Robinsons Galleria Cebu with the recent opening of the company’s 9th branch in the city. The handcrafted…

The freshly-made artisanal pastries of Abaca Baking Company (ABC) are now available in Robinsons Galleria Cebu with the recent opening of the company’s 9th branch in the city.

The handcrafted pastries are freshly baked in-house every morning using only 100% unbleached flour, which assures flavorful goodness in every bite, the company said in a press statement. This keen attention to the fine details of production continues to make a mark that elevates the local culinary scene by setting the standard of hearty, delicious treats that are sure to hit the spot every time.

Vegetable chopped salad

Fish and chips, home made spam, and chopped salad with strawberry blueberry banana smoothie.

Classic BLT sandwich

Aside from freshly baked pastries and decadent desserts, ABC is also known for its day-long, all-time breakfast favorites such as pancakes, hand rolled bagels, and their signature bakery benedict, along with a selection of other savory delights. Their selection of pressed sandwiches are standouts on the menu as well.

Indulge in your ABC cravings in any of their nine branches: Crossroads Mall in Banilad, The Terraces and Rustan’s 2F at Ayala Center Cebu, Paseo Arcenas in Banawa, Robinsons Cybergate and Galleria, TGU Tower and Filinvest Cyberzone in IT Park, and The Northwing of SM City Cebu.

Bakery benedict.

Buttermilk waffle with fresh fruits.

Burger with fries.

Abaca Baking Company is a locally grown concept by The Abaca Group, which also owns and operates Abaca Boutique Resort + Restaurant, Luncheonette, Maya, Phat Pho, Red Lizard, Tavolata, and the soon-to-open Reef Hotel.

Visit www.theabacagroup.com and follow @theabacagroup on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates. (Press Release)

9TH BRANCH. The Abaca Baking Company in Robinsons Galleria Cebu is the company’s 9th branch in Cebu.

FRESHLY-BAKED. Abaca Baking Company’s artisanal pastries are freshly-baked every day.

August 9, 2018 12:45 am August 9, 2018

4 min read

Food

Top Chinese restaurant Hai Shin Lou opens in Cebu

Max Limpag

4 min read

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The freshest ingredients prepared by top-notch chefs from Hong Kong are what distinguishes Hai Shin Lou dishes from those of other Chinese restaurants, said one of its founders. Hai Shin…

The freshest ingredients prepared by top-notch chefs from Hong Kong are what distinguishes Hai Shin Lou dishes from those of other Chinese restaurants, said one of its founders.

Hai Shin Lou held a soft opening today, August 8, 2018, as part of preparations to a grand inauguration on October 10. The Cebu branch of the highly-regarded Chinese restaurant is located at the ground level of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. It is only the restaurant’s second branch – the owners previously having decided not to expand beyond the first one they set up in Makati City, said co-owner Alejandro Tengco.

Steamed Shrimp Dumpling

Pork Siomai

Tengco said their group is very particular with the food and service at the restaurant, which they opened on December 8, 2003. He said they thought that expansion via franchises would dilute the brand and these new locations would not be able to keep the quality.

Seafood King

Tengco said that among the restaurant’s most loyal patrons were the Ty family and their businesses. Through the years, the Tys told them they wanted to open a Chinese restaurant and wanted to work with them. Tengco said they were eventually convinced and saw the opportunity to partner with the family and open in a top hotel in Cebu.

Hai Shin Lou means “Seafood King” and the phrase banners the restaurant’s specialty, Tengco said in an interview. The restaurant is so particular with the quality of their ingredients that they produce their own soy sauce and chili sauce, which Tengco highly recommends. In preparing its tasty Fish Fillet with Home Made Bean Curd in Hot Pot, he said they use fresh Lapu-Lapu that they fillet themselves. The tofu they also made from scratch in the kitchen.

Taro Puff.

Barbecue Pork

A personal favorite: Soyed Chicken.

Hai Shin Lou Cebu will be headed by Executive Chef King Kwong Chan, one of the best roasting chefs in Hong Kong, the restaurant said. Working with him are Chinese Dimsum Chef Moon Chau Lo and Chinese Wok Chef Raymund Hui, who are also from Hong Kong.

Fine dining Chinese cuisine

We are fine dining Chinese cuisine, Tengco said. We do not compete with these “noodle stores.”

Tengco said that in terms of menu prices, Hai Shin Lou Cebu will be about 10% higher than those offered by Chinese restaurants in the city. The restaurant will also have menu packages that start from P7,888 for a table good for about 10 to 12 persons.

Tengco is confident that just as how it fared in Manila, Hai Shin Lou Cebu will also be the top Cantonese food destination in Cebu.

He said that they will soon offer in Cebu roast goose, which is a favorite among many food afficionados, with some flying to Hong Kong just to buy it.

Steamed Shrimps.

Soft opening

Tengco said they are still tweaking the operations and enhancing the training of the staff now that they have finally opened to the public. He said they would only be catering to 50 diners at a time during the soft opening and advised people to call ahead for reservations at +6332 234 8155 or +6332 234 8188 or send an email to [email protected].

He said they are also working to source ingredients from local suppliers.

Hai Shin Lou Cebu is open daily at 11:30 am to 2:30 pm for lunch and 6 pm to 10:30 pm for dinner. The restaurant said in a statement it will serve full capacity by the second week of September,

The restaurant has a capacity of 200 persons with 9 private rooms.

More photos of the soft opening of Hai Shin Lou Cebu

Fish Fillet with Homemade Bean Curd in Hot Pot.

Fresh Crab Meat With Seasonal Vegetables.

Snow Ball.

Almond Jelly With Fruit Cocktail.

HAI SHIN LOU STORY. Co-owner Alejandro Tengco talks about how they started Hai Shin Lou and why they eventually decided to open in Cebu.

PRIVATE DINING. Hai Shin Lou Cebu has a capacity of 200 persons with 9 private rooms.

SOFT OPENING. Hai Shin Lou Cebu is currently in soft opening and would only be catering to 50 diners at a time.

3 min read

The Mactan Newtown holds grandest “Lechon Festival” in Cebu

August 5, 2018 3:02 am August 5, 2018

3 min read

3 min read

Everyone agrees that the best lechon is found in the “Queen City of the South.” In the Philippines, no festival would be a complete celebration without the world-renowned lechon on…

Everyone agrees that the best lechon is found in the “Queen City of the South.”

In the Philippines, no festival would be a complete celebration without the world-renowned lechon on the table.

In celebration of this culinary pride, The Mactan Newtown, in partnership with the Lapu-Lapu City Government, is once again putting the spotlight on the world-famous Cebu lechon, along with the rich history, artistry, and skill that goes into preparing this celebrated dish, with its very own “Lechon Festival.”

From August 1 to August 12, foodies can indulge in the finest lechons right off the roasting pit of Cebu’s best lechon makers as The Mactan Newtown Lechon Festival showcases Cebu’s mouthwatering dish for tourists, guests, and locals.

“This annual gastronomic and cultural celebration is aimed at bringing awareness to small-scale and less commercialized lechon businesses. Apart from giving local businesses the platform to showcase their lechon products, we are also looking to raise the status of this great dish as a main pillar of food tourism in Cebu. Through this, we hope to grow Cebu’s reputation further as a top tourist attraction, while also becoming a catalyst for regional economic growth and more livelihood opportunities,” said Kevin Tan, Head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.

LIVE ROASTING. Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Head Hembler Mendoza and Megaworld Lifestyle Mall Vice President and Head of Marketing and Business Development Tefel Pesigan-Valentino lead the live lechon roasting at The Mactan Newtown as part of the Lechon Festival.

Week-long ‘lechon’ festivities underway

Experience a dining celebration like no other at the 500-seater Mactan Alfresco where you can savor the best iterations of Cebu’s beloved pork dish. Sample the signature lechon varieties from Cebu’s best lechon-makers, including delicious arrays of lechon-themed dishes and lechon pairings.

Making this delicious gathering even more appetizing is The Mactan Newtown’s introduction of exclusive lechon deals throughout the week-long festival. From August 3 to 12, guests can avail themselves of a whopping price drop of P400 per kilo of lechon for a limited time only from all participating lechon sellers.

Lechon sisig by KKB Seafood.

Festival goers can also immerse themselves through the entire lechon preparation process at Mactan Alfresco’s very own Lechon Pit. Here, they can witness how a lechon is prepared right before their very eyes—from seasoning to roasting at the coal pit, to portioning, and serving on their own plates.

The 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown of Megaworld is the country’s first “Live-Work-Play-Learn” lifestyle township with its own beachfront located in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu. For more information, visit www.megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or like The Mactan Newtown on Facebook or follow @mactannewtown_ on Instagram and Twitter. (Press Release)

July 4, 2018 10:42 pm July 4, 2018

3 min read

Feature Food

American favorites on the buffet menu in Marco Polo Plaza

MyCebu

3 min read

3 min read

To mark American Independence Day, iconic Cebu hotel Marco Polo Plaza has prepared a sumptuous spread of classic American dishes on top of its regular international buffet spread for lunch…

To mark American Independence Day, iconic Cebu hotel Marco Polo Plaza has prepared a sumptuous spread of classic American dishes on top of its regular international buffet spread for lunch and dinner in Cafe Marco.

The latest of the hotel’s Culinary Journey, which highlights specific cuisines to time with a global celebration, will run from July 4 to 7.

At the Fried Bar, diners can get buffalo wings and potato mix fries. Those who want burgers can have their choice of beef, chicken, and lamb patties at the Burger Station. The café also has a Barbecue Corner and Mac and Cheese Bar.

BURGER. You have the choice of beef, chicken, and lamb patties.

Food choices

At the Carving Station, diners can have their fill of USDA grade roast beef, herb roast chicken, and a lot more options.

Cafe Marco also set up a DIY station for quesadillas, burritos, tacos, enchaladas, and nachos. A must-try is its chili con carne.

APPLE PIE.

Leave room for desserts and get a slice of All American favorites apple and pecan pie. You should also try the delicious star spangled ice cream cake.

On July 7, a Saturday, you can bring your friends and family to the hotel and avail yourselves of the Star Spangled Celebration Lunch Buffet, which includes free use of the swimming pool.

World Chocolate Day

Also on July 7, Cafe Marco will mark World Chocolate Day with an array of chocolate goodies.

“The dessert buffet will be overflowing with these bitter-sweet confections that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth,” the hotel said in a press release.

CHILI CON CARNE.

Cafe Marco will serve chocolate-infused dishes such as baked chocolate pasta, coffee and chili crusted barbeque back ribs with tablea sauce, dark chocolate corn tacos, chocolate salami, and many more.

Cafe Marco buffet rates are P1,230 nett per person for lunch and P1,520 nett per person for dinner.

For bookings and inquiries, you can email [email protected] or call Cebu: (+6332) 253 1111 or Manila at (+632) 887 1263.

More photos of Star Spangled Celebration at Cafe Marco

MARCO POLO LOBBY.

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu July 4 culinary journey

BEEF FAJITAS.

DESSERT STATION.

BERRY SHORTCAKE.

BURGERS.

CHICKEN FAJITAS.

SMOKED BARBECUE PORK.

CHIMICHANGA.

SALT-BAKED FISH.

PINTO BEANS SALAD.

SPICY SHRIMP.

TORTILLA SALAD.

TORTILLA ROLLUP.

$Marco Polo Plaza Cebu buffet$

TEX-MEX chicken chopped salad.

ICE CREAM CAKE.

FISH AND CHIPS.

BURGER STATION. At the burger station, you have the choice of beef, chicken, and lamb patties.

ROULADE.

UNTIL JULY 7. The Star Spangled Celebration in Cafe Marco will run until July 7.

June 3, 2018 12:18 pm June 3, 2018

4 min read

Feature Food

Chicken, donuts, pizza, tempura, tacos all you can every Wednesday in June

MyCebu

4 min read

4 min read

Diners are in for a treat this June. Every Wednesday during the month, 8 brands that are part of the Max’s Group, Inc. will be offering All-You-Can sets for P349…

Diners are in for a treat this June. Every Wednesday during the month, 8 brands that are part of the Max’s Group, Inc. will be offering All-You-Can sets for P349 per brand for 2 hours starting at 2 p.m. until closing time.

This is the first cross-branded promotion by the country’s biggest casual dining group, said Max’s Group Marketing Services Head Charlene Marie Sapina.

The Max’s Group All-You-Can Wednesdays promo will be available in more than 600 stores nationwide on June 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 2 pm until closing time. For 24-hour stores of Yellow Cab, its All-You-Can Pizza deal starts at 12 midnight. For other Yellow Cab outlets, the promo is available for the duration of its opening hours.

ALL-YOU-CAN WEDNESDAYS. Every Wednesday this June, get a dining treat in 6 Max’s Group brands with their all-you-can offerings.

Customers who sign up for the All-You-Can promo will be provided stickers for identification upon entry to the store. They will then have 2 hours to eat as much of the featured product as they could.

Senior Citizens or PWDs may choose to avail themselves either of the promotional discount or the 20% discount

The company said the cross-brand promotions allow them to “leverage their portfolio and store network to delight loyal customers.”

The different All-You-Can promos are:

Max’s All-You-Can Fried Chicken with 1 glass of Sago’t Gulaman

Yellow Cab’s All-You-Can Pizza in Hawaiian or #4 Cheese and Mountain Dew with 1 order of regular Salt & Pepper Hustlers

Pancake House’s All-You-Can Best Taco in Town and Iced Tea

Krispy Kreme’s All-You-Can Original Glazed Doughnut and Signature Coffee

Dencio’s All-You-Can Krispy Sisig (Regular) and Iced Tea

Teriyaki Boy’s All-You-Can Ebi Tempura and Iced Tea with 1 cup of Steamed Gohan

Sizzlin’ Steak’s All-You-Can Beef Belly Strips and Iced Tea with 1 cup of Plain Rice

Jamba Juice’s All-You-Can Banana Berry Smoothie with 1 Reusable Metal Straw.

Apart from the individual promos, the Max’s Group is also offering All-You-Can Bundles for barkadas and families. The packages start at P849.

The All-You-Can Bundles are:

Get Max’s 3 sets of All-You-Can Fried Chicken with 1 glass of Sago’t Gulaman + a free Plush Toy for P1,249
Yellow Cab’s 2 sets of All-You-Can Pizza in Hawaiian or #4 Cheese and Mountain Dew + 1 full order of Chicken Alfredo Pasta for P849
Pancake House’s 3 sets of All-You-Can Best Taco in Town and Iced Tea + 1 order of Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (Large) for P1,199
Krispy Kreme’s 3+1 All-You-Can Original Glazed Doughnut and Signature Coffee for P999
Dencio’s 3 sets of All-You-Can Krispy Sisig (Regular) and Iced Tea + 1 order of Hot & Spicy Tofulutan for P1,099
Teriyaki Boy’s 3 sets of All-You-Can Ebi Tempura and Iced Tea with 1 cup of Steamed Gohan for P999
Sizzlin’ Steak’s 3 sets of All-You-Can Beef Belly Strips and Iced Tea with 1 cup of Plain Rice + 1 order of Cheese Dip with Nachos for P999
Jamba Juice’s 3 sets of All-You-Can Banana Berry Smoothie with 1 Reusable Metal Straw for P999

All customers who avail themselves of an All-You-Cam officer will get Delivery Treat Vouchers. For Max’s, customers get a free Sizzling Tofu with a minimum delivery order of P1,500. For Yellow Cab, get a free Ice Cream for every order of Squad Stuff, Boom Bundles, or Hustle Bundles. Pancake House offers free 2-piece Classic Pancakes with a minimum delivery order of P800.

For Krispy Kreme, get a free box of 3 Original Glazed Doughnuts with a minimum delivery order of P1,000. Dencio’s offers free Lumpiang Shanghai with a minimum delivery order of P1,500. Get Teriyaki Boy’s 8-piece California Roll for free for every order of Kazoku Set Meal and for Sizzlin’ Steak, enjoy a free Cheese Dip with Nachos for every order of Platter of 3.

“Max’s Group’s very first All-You-Can promo is the result of a momentous synergy among MGI’s well-loved brands—all of which have become deeply ingrained in the lives of Filipinos,” Ariel Fermin, Group COO for Max’s Group, Inc. said in a press statement.

May 7, 2018 8:21 pm May 7, 2018

2 min read

Food People

Chef Juanito takes charge as 1st Filipino executive chef of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

MyCebu

2 min read

2 min read

A chef who rose from the ranks now takes charge of the highly-regarded Marco Polo Plaza Cebu kitchen. The hotel, which takes pride in being known as a leader in…

A chef who rose from the ranks now takes charge of the highly-regarded Marco Polo Plaza Cebu kitchen.

The hotel, which takes pride in being known as a leader in culinary excellence in Cebu, recently named Chef Juanito Abangan as its first Filipino executive chef. The promotion marks a major milestone for someone who discovered his love for cooking at a very young age.

Chef Juanito started with the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu kitchen in 2007 as Chef De Partie at the Pool Bar.

He later explored opportunities outside the hotel but came back in 2008 to serve as Junior Sous Chef during the opening of Blu Bar & Grill.

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Executive Chef Juanito Abangan.

Passion for great food

He imbued his cooking with the passion for great food that saw him rising from the ranks, getting promoted to Sous Chef, Senior Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, and finally, the hotel’s first Filipino Executive Chef.

Chef Juanito discovered his love for cooking at a very young age. He began his culinary career in fine dining restaurants as a commis. His work ethic and culinary excellence paved the way for a career in 5-star resorts and hotels.

“Through the years, I have learned the value of teamwork, passion and continuous improvement from my past mentors” he said. Chef Juanito said his learnings from previous executive chefs and general managers he worked with in the industry contributed greatly to the success he now enjoys.

Kitchen team effort

Chef Juanito believes that effective communication is key when running the kitchen. He sees being a Cebuano as something that he can use to his advantage in working and communicating with his all-Filipino team of chefs. With hard work, passion and team effort, he believes that he can lead his Marco Polo team into achieving great success by continually creating wonderful dining experiences for hotel guests.

As Executive Chef, Chef Juanito oversees the hotel’s four dining venues, including the hotel’s signature restaurant – Café Marco, as well as Blu Bar & Grill, El Viento Restaurant & Pool Bar and Lobby Lounge. On top of it, he also oversees the hotel’s in-room dining and banquets and catering events ranging in size from small meetings to grandiose weddings and conventions.

4 min read

Feature Food

Manang Juling’s Kilawan brings specialty seafood menu to Cebu City

March 12, 2018 11:18 am March 12, 2018

4 min read