CYMA

Revisiting another personal favorite restaurant in Cebu. Always a pleasure dining in to this place especially with my food trip buddy. 

*Dakos, for appetizers. It's Greek Bruschetta with cheese, tomatoes, black olive paste, capers, oregano and balsamic syrup. Quite a bag for an appetizer, though I still prefer the four kinds of cheese.

*Cyma Chopped Salad, mixed greens, arugula, toasted walnuts, sliced pears, sun dried tomatoes, crumbled bleu cheese and grated Parmesan topped with Greek vinaigrette. I didn't see the pears coming on this but it was good. I'm a salad fan and this is really a Must.

*Greek Coffee, has officially become a personal favorite next to my ultimate favorite - Turkish coffee.

*Baklava, layered phyllo with walnuts and orange honey. Delish but I still prefer the home made Turkish baklava made by my friend's mother.

*Baby Clams Angel Hair, also good but I still prefer their Pastisado. I'm not a fan of Angel hair pasta :D

I think CYMA a is one of those places where you feel like you're on a vacation somewhere once you sit on their tables and eat. Always a wonderful ambiance and experience. Very relax. 

For more, visit their website www.cymarestaurants.com or like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cymarestaurant

Ulli's Streets of Asia Cebu

Craving for some Singapore vibe? Or multi cultural dishes from the orient? Then Ulli's Streets of Asia is the place for you. Located at the heart of the city, on top of Ayala Center Cebu lies a gem for food lovers with an ambiance of calm, fast phase like vibe.

Here's a compilation of what we ordered.

*Causeway Beef Noodle Soup, Hong Kong style noodle soup with beef brisket. I have to say, I prefer beef or chicken for noodle topping any time of the day in any resto.

*Popiah, vegetarian mixes and tofu wraps. Reminds me of Vietnamese wraps :)

*Beef Hokkien, Singaporean stir fried noodles with beef. I'm a stir fried noodle kind of girl and this comes really close to my favorite from Spice Fusion but this one has a burst filled flavor than the latter. 

*Sentosa Cooler, a mix of cucumber, pineapple and green apple. A really good choice for a hot weather.

*Marina Mixer, a mix of apple, orange and watermelon. 

*Tori Tori Platter, a feast of assorted barbecue. Shrimps, squids, chicken and pork.

All in all it was a good food tasting experience. Service wise, it was great and the ambiance is very modern and the choices of food is also grand :)

Nonki Japanese Restaurant

I'm a sushi lover. Well, make that, I'm in love with Japanese dishes. I think I got that exposure from my dad who worked for a Japanese company when I was younger. I actually thought, we were Japanese. Hmm. Anyway, Nonki Japanese Restaurant has been around for a while now. Three branches in Cebu and I've only decided to dine in a few weeks back with my good friend Monica. 

Here's a compilation of what we ordered. The Japanese guy sitting next to us was definitely wondering how can two woman eat like men. Oh well. 

*Miso Soup, a personal favorite. I think I've tasted this from different Japanese restos all over Asia and Cebu and I still wonder how come, they all taste the same? 

*Tuna Sashimi, I have to agree with Monica because it's the freshest of the freshest sashimi I've tasted. 

*Temaki Mix, it was a different twist from the usually sushi that we're used to but I still prefer how the sushi is rolled and served.

*Salmon Maki Special, delish and just delish. 

*Shrimp Tempura, I love the crispness in every bite. 

*California Maki, this is everyone's favorite maki and it's always refreshing to taste it like the first time when you're in a different restaurant. 

It was a truly good experience and I really wouldn't mind going back for another bite and try out their other dishes. Nonki Japanese Restaurant is located at the old wing of SM City Cebu, Airport Road in Mactan and Banilad Mandaue. 

A photo with my food trip buddy. Monica :)

For more infos, check their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nonki-Japanese-Restaurant/133877056634226?fref=ts

Pueblo Mexicano

Craving for Tacos? Burritos? Or other Mexican dishes? Then there's a place called Pueblo Mexicano at the heart of Cebu. Located ideally at the BTC complex in the city lies a place where you can dine, chill and listen to great Spanish songs while enjoying the artsy interiors which makes you feel like you're in Mexico. Ole! 

Pueblo Mexico offers traditional dishes by letting you choose among appetizers, main course, salsa and extras step by step which for me makes eating a whole lot easier. Here are some of our picks.

*Sinful Prohibido Chocolate Cake, on the house when we got there and must say, it was excruciatingly delish. 

*Guacamole Tortillos, this entree also comes with other variation for dippings. It's so so, I still prefer the cheese dipping any time of the day.

*Quesadillas, we opted for Mexican Chorizo with mild salsa and I have to admit it was really good. I think a beefy choice for it would also be great.

*Beef Tacos, totally tasted like the ones in Señor Taco in Singapore. I love tacos and I know some don't want the after taste smell thing (I don't like it too) but it's just so good specially if you pour a handful of hot sauce on it. 

*Burritos, amazingly delish and perfect. This comes with rice wrapped in a soft taco like shell and the serving is for sharing or not - depends on who's eating it.

*Coffee, I like the art on it. Not really a fan of coffee and it's my mom's plating so. 

Over all it was a grand experience. I think Mexican meals are special like Greek and Turkish. So, if you're craving for some authentic vibe for your dine ins, head on now to Pueblo Mexico and enjoy.

Creperie Paris

A hot chef, good ambiance and did I already mentioned hot chef? Oh I did. If you're looking for something sweet yet not too sweet with a hint of Parisian flare, head on now to the newest cafe on town, Creperie Paris.

The place is located at the heart of Cebu, a few blocks from Baseline Cebu. For more infos your can check their Facebook page via La Creperie Paris. The place had a good ambiance and I so dig the furnitures which had a twist of middle eastern, Filipino traditional and of course Parisian. 

The tiny cafe is a hub for Parisian crepes. What we had, were specials on the menu. La Philippines is the one with Mangoes and Nutella. Pardon but I forgot the names of the others cos remembering, I think our attendant got our orders wrong but assuring that it was different from the usual crepes that we have in the country. The texture was light yet thick in a way and it was thinner than the usual. As per the couple owners Rafael (the chef) and Jamaica, we should try the galettes cos it's a different twist. Maybe next time we dine in :) 

Apart from coffees and crepes, they also offer wines and cheese and I think it'll be awesome to hang out there on weekend nights cos of the laid back vibe and French songs :) 

Photo opt with the wonderful couple, who owns the cafe and Jamaica's younger sister. So, what are you waiting for? Head on now and have your crepes personally prepared by a gorgeous French guy and if you're lucky, you can have your photos with them and chat for a bit. A very commodating team :) 

Til next time! :)

  

Simply J's

For the longest time, I've always thought the place was a designers hub or something. Never had the slightest idea that it's a cafe with a homey vibe. Not until my good friend said it's a restaurant and to which we should try and so we did. 

The place is really nice and it feels like you're just at home chilling. I love the interiors and everything in it :)

The menu was nice. Food prices ranges from 135php to 255php with a variation of choices for Pork, Fish and Chicken. What we ordered were specialities if I'm not mistaken. 

Salad, we ordered Chicken Caesar Salad and Simply J's Garden Fresh Salad. Both salads were ok though I prefer Chicken Caesar salad than the latter. I didn't like the sauce for their Simply J's salad but for those who likes apples and grapes on their plate should try it out. I think it was more of their version of a Waldorf's salad. The Chicken Caesar salad on the other hand was really good. The chicken was fresh and now it was cooked was perfect and I love the sauce. Basically, they have a handful of choices for the salads.

Carbonara, it was ok but I think it was a bit oily but good tasting and I love the choice of pasta for it. Other pasta choices includes Seafoods Marinara.

Chicken Cordon Bleu, now this is a MUST cos their servings for chickens are tender and perfect and I love how it was thoroughly done. I just didn't like the idea of plain rice with it. It could have been mashed potato :)

Rack Stuffed Pork, not a pork meat eater but based on how it looked when my friends sliced it, it was good. It had pesto sauce and bacon inside which is interesting. 

There are other handful of choices on their menu and if I get back to try some, I'll prolly go for sausages :) Their located beside Diamond Suites in Escario St., Cebu on the left side of Quest Hotel. They also have function rooms for birthdays and events and it is family owned and they called it Simply J's to honor the owners grandchild's name which starts with the letter J :)

UCC Cafe

At the heart of the city lies a Japanese coffee shop that looks entirely Western than Eastern Oriental and never thought it'll be one of those few places where I feel at home and at ease while I dine or sip on my coffee.

UCC or Ueshima Coffee Co. Ltd. is more than just a place to have breakfast or meetings but it is such a nice place to just relax, do some research on line using your laptop or just chilling and being surrounded by well behaved people. 

The place offers a home relax vibe and they served not just breakfast based dishes but also other sets that are truly Japanese by heart but my favorites are their waffles and french toasts and their cake servings. Not to mention, their coffee is a must and is made in a unique manner :)

So last weekend my friends and I decided to drop by and dine in while we chit chat and here are a few snaps of what we ordered and I added one set that my mother had this morning :) 

*Spam Breakfast

*Waffle Sausage (my personal favorite)

*Banana Carrot Cake (their Ube Macupuno is to die for and so is their Japanese cheesecake)

*French Toast Basket (you can opt for Longanisa, Ham for the topping)

*Cinnamon French Toast Tower (a must! and also the other choices for this)

They also have smoothies, pastas, ramen and salads. They're open from 8a til 11p and is located at the Terraces Ayala Center Cebu near the Marriott Hotel :) Prices starts at 150php up :)

Hot or cold ~~~ this is a favorite. The taste is just so good. If you want this at home, you can buy their coffee jars which ranged from smooth mild and strong. :)

My dates :)

Parisian Continental Breakfast Buffet

I've always loved breads - croissants in particular and in most hotel dine ins - I always opt for the continental set knowing that there's a croissant in it and finally a buffet for such. 

Priced at 295php plus taxes is a heaven for tea and croissant lovers at the heart of Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu :) 

Unlimited choices of breads and croissants, be it plain or with sweets it's here. Tea of your choice and cold cuts to jive with each bread is here. Unlimited coffee and juices and tea of course. This is breakfast for those who prefer light stuff over the usually breakfast buffets in hotels :) I definitely had fun. Still sipping my four seasons juice now and weighing if I should get more bread and pair it with jams :) 

What I had :) So good. Eggs of your choice when it comes to cooking is on request, so you could opt for boiled, scrambled or this one ;) And the view is splendid :) They start serving at 8a til 11a :)

Phat Pho

Finally a Vietnamese restaurant at the heart of the city of Cebu! Been hearing a lot of good reviews about it for some time now and thankful that my good friend Monica asked me out for a food trip with options on Japanese or Vietnamese - which obviously we decided to pick on the latter. Here are a few snaps of the place and what we had during our dine in.

The place was typically normal in size if you're really putting the entire Vietnamese vibe in it - it was neat and organised and I love the high chairs and the open kitchen where you get to see what's cooking. Now, this part is somewhat too Japanese if I may say but I love it. The menu is precisely consists of entrees that were truly Vietnamese with the famous Pho in all variations available.

We decided to order a combination of some of the dishes we're familiar with.

Shrimp Salad, when I stayed in Saigon a few years ago, I never tried their salad but based on how this looked from this photo and how it tasted, I have to admit that I can't quite compare it to that of the authentic ones from Vietnam but it was super healthy. If you're body conscious then this dish is for you. It had mangoes, shrimps, sprouts and other vegetables which is different from the American salads we're used to.

Beef Pho, my favourite indulgence when I was in Saigon. But I have to say, I was surprised to see my bowl of Pho with all the herbs and sprouts in it. Unlike the traditional Vietnamese servings, they decided to put everything on the bowl. Guess, I was just used to having the Pho serving then the herbs and sprouts served on another plate - so I could opt to put which ones I prefer but I think this was quite neat. The taste? It was good. Definitely had the same ingredients as the ones in Saigon.

Fish Cake, the Vietnamese version of the Pinoy fish ball but served with onions (onion rings like) and was patterned flat which was definitely something. The sauce was good. A little sour - a little sweet.

Shrimp Rice Roll, another personal favourite from Saigon. The peanut sauce was totally thicker in texture than those in Saigon but it was precisely mixed. 

Chicken Satay, now, this is A MUST TRY dish. I've tasted normal Satay, Malaysian Satay and this one and this by Phat Pho is fantastic. The aroma and taste is classic yet it leaves you wanting more. Perfectly grilled and spiced.

Vietnamese Coffee, of course nothing beats the original but theirs is not bad at all. I just wished they'll add more condensed milk on their servings. 

Coconut Cream Puffs, HEAVEN! I'm a huge fan of cream puffs and this by far was the grandest tastiest of them all. 

All in all, it was a good dining experience. It made me really happy to know that there's a Vietnamese restaurant that captures the authentic Vietnamese vibe within Cebu. There's one in Manila and then in Davao but Phat Pho makes me really appreciate each bite because I can see how my meal is being cooked and the place is just too neat not to be praised. 

Phat Pho is an affiliate to the famous Abaca resorts in Mactan and knowing that it is, expect only the grandest servings with a little amp price but worth every cent. Phat Pho is located at Crossroads in Banilad Cebu. Price ranges from 150php to 300php. And since the place is quite small, I suggest you can in early for lunch or dinner. For inquiries, you can give them a ring via the number on the first photo I posted. :)

My food trip date yesterday. Our next stop is some authentic Korean resto in the city. Hopefully soon before the month ends :)

Tsay Cheng Restaurant

If you've been following my blog, you've probably noticed that I'm usually dining into Chinese restaurants, well as I've said before, my parents (though we're not Chinese) are fond of Chinese cuisine and growing up I've been into it as well.

Tsay Cheng is a newly opened restaurant in the old Grand Convention Center in Cebu. When we dined in a few weeks ago, they were still on their soft opening thus they didn't have the final menu for their entrees yet but based on the aura of the place, I like it because it was clean and the choice for wall colours was very neat and royal but I do wonder what their final menu looks like. Anyways, here are some of the photos that I took during our experience.

I really like their colour choices. It's too clean and homey. It's like Parisian chic in a Chinese setting. And they have function rooms for parties and meetings. Those cubicles on the sides are the rooms and are open for reservations.

We decided to try out the usual Chinese dishes that we order in other restaurants.

Sour Soup (something like that), it was delish. I love the sour after taste and I just love any Chinese soup for that matter. It was their chef's thingy so we try it out.

Yang Chow Fried Rice, ahhh! Their version is heaven. I just love it.

Beef with Broccoli, this is a personal favourite and I always end up trying this. I love the crispy vegetables and the taste of their beef. I somehow had the same taste as the ones I make.

US Scallops, I also love scallops but this dish was a bit blunt. I needed more colour and a little amp on the taste but it was healthy in a way.

Crabs of crabs. I think only Chinese people are the best when it comes to cooking this dish but was so so. Nothing beats the one in Singapore or the ones in Glorietta :)

The famous Patatim and it's bread but I think the bread was too dry and was soaked with oil. I didn't try the Patatim itself because I don't eat pork's meat but looking at it, it was cooked perfectly. Tender and soft.

Sweets!

Peppermint Tea Cooler, it was good but it smelled like spa. I can't help but remember the spas I've been to with the smell.

Mandarin Cheese Cake, the taste was that of the regular cheesecake but the serving was totally small in size.

Mango Panda, ahhh heaven! I rarely appreciate desserts cos I'm not a dessert person but I love this. I know it's too simple but it's really tasty.

Buchi, this is another personal Chinese tasty favourite and their version is wickedly fantastic. I love the fillings and I love everything on it.

It was a good experience. I think most Chinese restaurants that I've been to have that vibe that makes me go out satisfied and happy. Tsay Cheng is located at the lower level of the new Grand Convention building. 

Tonkatsu

So, there's a new Japanese restaurant that opened at Ayala Terraces Cebu a few months back and this post is obviously a bit overdue. Pardon me, I've been feeling lazy to do some blog post about food and stuff. 

The place is totally simple but once inside, you'll feel like you're in a restaurant in Japan. Tonkatsu is - as I would describe it, is a sister company of Italiani's. Their menu is mostly consists of pork meat. If I remember correctly, there are only two entrees for chicken and few for seafoods thus I ended up having the seafoods meal which consists of fish and oysters. What I really love about their food is the way they coat their entrees. Really wonder and the crispiness on each bite is really amazing. 

Here are a few photos from that dining.

I love the idea of an open kitchen for any restaurant. It gives you that homey feel.

The table presentation was fine. It's the typical fast-food like vibe. The menu was simple and easy to understand because the photos were presented nicely. I just didn't like the sauce containers, it makes pouring a little difficult because the sauce are textured a little thick.

We ordered

Salad, it looked like the typical salad with greens and tomatoes but lo and behold it has noodles in it, so the order alone is good for a meal if you're on diet. The taste was OK but the noodle was heaven.

Fries, the normal fries as I should describe it but the powder they dashed on it was good to the taste and the fact that the sauce were tartar mayo and ketchup - is kid friendly :)

Chicken Wings, I think Japanese and Koreans always have this on their menu for appetisers because it goes well with beer and theirs was tasty. But nothing beats the chicken wings I tasted in a Korean resto in Saigon some years ago.

Deep Fried Oysters, now, I'm really a huge fan of oysters but to have them fried is something that I was just too curious to try. I usually eat it raw :D It was fantastic! Like I said earlier their coatings are seriously awesome.

Pork Katsu, my dad had this. From the looks on his face eating it, I must say it was so so or probably good for others. I love their food servings though. I'm trying to find that tiny strainer for the food :D

Seafoods Katsu, it was so so. I mean it's fried so what do you expect. If you're a fan of fried dishes then this place is a go :) This order has fish then oysters then rice and miso soup and salad on the sides :)

Over all it was a good dining experience. I still prefer sushis and sashimis over this servings anytime of the day and I must say, I still prefer the Japanese resto in Saigon but Tonkatsu is a really good place to hang out and chill if you want that Japanese vibe within the vicinity of a shopping centre. Price ranges from 200php to 500php. A meal set such as the seafoods set is priced at around 485php something. I forgot the price. Anyhow, it was a fun experience and I love their place. The aura is beautiful :)

Visit them now at the lower level of the Ayala Terraces besides Italiani's and bring the entire gang along for that awesome Japanese fried sets experience :)

Spam Sushi & Shrimps

So, for the passed few months, I've always wondered how a Spam Sushi looks like or how to make it. I know a friend from FB who loves this meal so much, that when he travels, he makes a handful for himself and last, I just caught myself browsing photos via google and today, I decided to make some.

SPAM SUSHI

You Will Need

1 cup cooked rice (minced garlic & mixed vegetables, optional)

1 can spam (any flavour will do)

3 pcs roasted seaweeds

2 eggs (beaten with black pepper, parsley & cilantro, optional)

3 tablespoon cooking oil

Dash of Thyme

Dash of Lea & Perrins

Dash of Minced Garlic

Sushi Bamboo Roller

Procedure

1. Cooked rice along with mixed vegetables and minced garlic in rice cooker with 2 cups of water. Once cook, let it cool.

2. Slice spam evenly and cook until golden brown or a bit reddish. DON'T OVER COOK. Set aside.

3. Beat 2 eggs, add dash of black pepper, parsley and cilantro. In a pan, add 1 tablespoon cooking oil and fry egg until cook. Don't fold, just let it spread throughout the pan. Flip, the other side to cook. Set aside. Check photo below :)

Let's MAKE SPAM SUSHI ^_^

1. In your sushi roller, PLACE roasted seaweeds, ADD rice, making sure that it follows the size of your spam slices. ADD sliced spams and eggs (eggs is shaped after the spam).

2. ADD another layer of rice. 

3. FOLD and ROLL :)

*slice evenly 

SHRIMPS

1. Using a kitchen scissor, CLEAN shrimps of its head and those tiny hand thingy. WASH and DRAIN.

2. ADD 2 tablespoon cooking oil, dash of black pepper and minced garlic, ADD shrimps.

3. Once shrimps changes to a shade of pink, ADD Lea & Perrins, sauté.

4. Simmer, until shrimps turns orangey. 

Finish Product :) I just sprinkled some Terragon for an artsy effect on it and placed the skinned shrimps in a tea cup :)

It's my first time to try Spam Sushi and I must say, it is easy and so yummy. At first, I was hesitant with how I can fold and roll it, given that a slice spam is not round but flat but it worked out anyway. Looking forward to serving this to my friends, if they come over :)

Marina Bay Sands Hotel Singapore

Just like the rest of the world travellers, we were fuzzed by the legendary Marina Bay Sands that in spite the fact, that we can only book an overnight stay because of our impromptu vacation, we obliged and the amazement of the structure was just surreal. Here are a few snaps from our stay, the only room available as per our travel agent was a deluxe space. Never really thought, that you have to book ahead of time if you want to stay in this five star hotel.

View from our room. We were placed at the Bay view room 'cos 'twas the only room available. Our view is the Gardens by the Bay.

So their deluxe room is consists of two single beds and an ample view of the bay. The bathroom's standard but they don't have bath tubs which somehow made me sad but it was neat. Maybe the other higher class rooms has one. What I like about the bathroom is the unique door - Japanese like and the condiments were all nice.

All controls are touch button. It was totally nice and the television is a computer /message machine too and you can browse through things you could do within the vicinity by clicking on the remote control. The best part is that all their telephone customer service operators are nice and friendly. Some are Filipinos and others race.

The highlight of them all - the unique infinity swimming pool on the topmost level - 'twas beautiful <3 p="">

Mind you, that freaking water is freaking mother effing COLD! I won't be posting my photo in it because I looked so terrible - I was shaking and my skin was literally having goose bumps under the water LOL but it had a nice view. My parents enjoyed it so much. I didn't bother to go over the edge - my fears of height was insane hahaha

Another sight to check at MBS is their Sky Deck Viewing area. Gives you a tremendous view of the fantastic landmarks in Singapore :)

Taken from a floor near the elevator. The building below is Marina shop where all branded brands you can think of stands and were the basement of it offers a boat ride within the mall itself and also the train station is below it. 

The only photo I took inside the Marina shop. LOL

All in all MBS was a great place to stay in - if you just want to stay inside the room and chill in the pool area. For more details check www.marinabaysands.com