inside
Enjoy a Holiday Feast at Cocina dela Casa
With restaurateur Stephen Aznar at the helm, the newly opened dining destination offers an interesting juxtaposition of local and international flavors.
Stephen Aznar has been a name that is associated with good food, what with his now closed Café Elysa in Parian a favorite dining destination for remarkable Filipino cuisine. It was only natural, then, that his new venture Cocina de la Casa was met with much excitement, and some great expectations.
With the number of establishments that have brought different cuisines to the city, Cocina de la Casa aims to bring forth sumptuous local dishes and reimagined international favorites.
Although the restaurant is decidedly more modern than its predecessor, the interiors still hark back to a certain heritage—the location is an old house, with the walls torn down to create a large flowing dining space and the rest of the space painted in white. Minimalist but cozy furnishings, and pops of color in the form of potted plants and simple pieces of artwork complete the look.
With the holidays approaching, families are coming together over food, and Stephen is offering a special roast turkey especially for the season. Taking hours to cook until it’s a beautiful golden brown, the turkey is available throughout Christmas for pre-order.
The regular menu, though, offers a variety of dishes. We recommend the Pork Belly Chicharon with Asian Dip, and the Oriental Spring Rolls with Sweet and Spicy Sauce to start the meal. The crispy deep-fried pork is hard to resist, an elevated version of the famous Cebuano delicacy, while the latter features ground pork with noodles, peanuts and shitake mushrooms in a crisp-crackly wrap. Stephen shows us how to best enjoy the rolls—tucked into a piece of lettuce with parsley, mint and a good serving of the sauce, for an interesting mix of flavors in one bite.
Soups and salads are a must-try as well. We enjoyed the flavors of the sea with the New England Seafood Chowder, which featured large chunks of fish, squid and shrimp, and the Tropical Salad—which featured pomelo alongside the vegetables, topped with tiger prawns, and drizzled with the in-house original Asian dressing. Continue on the seafood trail with the Tomato, Basil and Anchovy Pasta, which gives the traditional tomato pasta pops of saltiness in the form of anchovies.
Meatiness is next to goodness at Cocina de la Casa—from chicken to lamb, there’s so much flavors to choose from. We recommend the Moroccan Braised Lamb Shank, which has the meat served in a mix of spices, and over a generous serving of couscous. What really raised excitement, though, is the return of Café Elysa’s Lomo de Bacalo, which is made of imported Bacalao loin doused in potatoes and tomato sauce.
With the Christmas season soon to be in full swing, make sure you book a few get-togethers at Cocina de la Casa. Perhaps Stephen Aznar bringing his culinary creations back to the city is the best gift the season has to offer.
inside
The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 3
Christmas House No. 3
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
Welcome to Christmas Home No. 3, where the season’s spirit is adorned in elegant white hues. This cozy abode is nestled near Cebu’s bustling IT Park, which radiates tradition and festive cheer. The homeowners, a delightful couple, eagerly await the arrival of their only daughter and her family from Manila.
As you enter this winter wonderland, a white Christmas tree takes center stage, adorned with glistening ornaments that shimmer in the soft glow of fairy lights. The white decor creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a snowy holiday retreat. Opting for a white-themed Christmas isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s an invitation to embrace simplicity, purity, and serenity during the festive season. The neutral palette provides a canvas for creativity, allowing each ornament to stand out and making memories more vibrant. It offers modern living and timeless elegance, creating a perfect backdrop for family celebrations. Peek inside the magic of a white Christmas as this welcoming home awaits the joyous reunion of loved ones.
inside
The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 1
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
This sleek house seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings while exuding a modern aesthetic that sets it apart as one of the most stylish homes in Cebu. Upon entering, the interior’s clean lines and minimalistic design immediately capture the essence of contemporary living. The couple’s home reflects their impeccable taste and dynamic lifestyle, which revolves around work and travel. Every corner of the house seems to narrate a story of the couple’s journey through fashion and design.
The living area is adorned with carefully selected holiday decor that complements the overall simplicity. Large glass windows invite abundant natural light, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor space from day to night. The choice of neutral tones enhances the sense of tranquility within, offering a retreat from the bustling energy of Cebu below. The residence is decked out in restrained holiday cheer, a curated canvas that mirrors the couple’s artistic inclinations. Every element, from bespoke furniture to curated art pieces, is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious environment that speaks volumes about the occupants’ creativity and global influences.
inside
LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.
The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.
What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.
***
The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!
-
Fashion2 months ago
The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: JC BUENDIA
-
Fashion2 months ago
The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PHILIP RODRIGUEZ
-
Fashion2 months ago
The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PROTACIO EMPACES
-
Fashion2 months ago
The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: EDWIN AO
-
Fashion2 months ago
The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: RAJO LAUREL
-
Fashion2 months ago
The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: VIC BARBA
You must be logged in to post a comment Login