Cebu Food Adventure: Season Two

Uswag, Sugbo!

I had fond memories of Cebu.

Three years ago, I went to Cebu with some of the seasoned travel bloggers here in the Philippines. First time to meet them in flesh, first time to visit the Queen City of the South. We explored the beautiful islands of Malapascua and Bantayan. Three months later, we went back to discover more places in Cebu and this time, we went south. We conquered Osmeña Peak, the province's highest peak, swam with the whale sharks of Oslob, and experienced the laid back life of Dalaguete, the quintessence of calm.

It's really great to be back at the Queen City of South last month. Here are some of the things that you shouldn't afford to miss when you're in Metro Cebu.

Yes, I'm talking about the FOOD that you SHOULDN'T MISS! Get ready for the part two of my Cebu Food Trip. Part 1 is here... and that was uhm... two years ago?

Gastronomic Adventure

Cebu is not just about Lechon, Siomai sa Tisa, and Dried Mangoes. There are so many restaurants that you shouldn't miss whenever you're around the metro. Apparently, three days weren't enough to cover ALL restaurants, but I tried my best to try some of Cebu's best restaurants.

Fudge Restaurant

It's not that hard to find Fudge. Located at Banilad Street, Fudge offers delectable desserts. Tre Colore is a must try - three layers of white, milk, and dark chocolatey goodness! If you love cheesecakes, well this place is perfect for you. I dare you to try their Cheesecake Delight!  It is TO. DIE. FOR. Aaaaahhhh! Caaaaaaake!

Tre Colore

Cheesecake Delight

Ibiza Beach Club, Mövenpick Hotel Mactan

Visiting Ibiza during happy hour (5:00 - 6:00 PM) is the best thing here in Mactan Island. They had this buy one take one promo of their Mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails), which is a great thing for us. This hotel really took my breath away. The view is as always, spectacular, and Ibiza Beach Club is my ideal bar - less crowded, progressive house music as their background music, and well, the BEACH!

It's a perfect place to hang out with family and friends!

Sarap itulak no?

Mocktails!

Sunset

Grilled Squidward

PS: I just looooove their grilled squid!

Pizza Republic: Make Your Pizza!

I first heard this concept when I was still working in Manila a year ago. Project Pie allows its customers to make their own pizza for only Php 245, so to speak. Good thing, this concept flew all the way to the Queen City of the South. Pizza Republic offers the same concept but I must warn you: don't be tempted to put TOO MUCH TOPPINGS OR INGREDIENTS on your pizza or else, you'll end up eating a sloppy, yucky pie. Well, it pays to have a friend who knows how to cook, our pizzas were super delicious! Nomnomnom.

White versus Red sauce

"Miss, limang pirasong pineapples please"

Choose your own!

Lantaw Native Restaurant

Lantaw is a Cebuano word which literally means to look beyond the horizon. Char lang, I just made that up, but I'm sure you get my point, eh? Lantaw Native Restaurant offers a spectacular view of Metro Cebu, and it gets even more romantic during night as the city lights start to flicker from the distance. It's like the Jack's Ridge of Cebu, only that it's really far from downtown (imagine, driving all the way from downtown Davao to Eden Nature Park). They serve yummy Filipino food! My personal favorite: Kare-kare!

Squid again.

THE BEST KARE-KARE IN TOWN!

Dinner time!

Orange Karenderia

If you're looking for an affordable yet delectable Filipino dishes within the downtown area, head on to Orange Karenderia located at Salinas Drive, right beside Pizza Republic. We ordered Crispy Tuna Belly and sizzling chicken liver and gizzard. Both of them were good and their Crispy Tuna Belly made me miss Davao even more (but, a week after my Cebu trip, I went home for a short vacation). LOL. By the way, I love their industry-themed interior design.

Crispy Tuna Belly!

Sizzling Chicken Liver and Gizzard

And of course, good food comes with a company of good friends. Thank you everyone for the hospitality! I'd be definitely be back here soon!

Photo by Jeemah! :D

PS: All photos were taken using an iPhone 5.