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Photo taken from hungryhongkong.net
COWRIE COVE
Punta Engaño Rd, Cebu, 6015 Cebu
Described in the Philippine Tatler’s Best Restaurants 2011 as a menu that showcases “the best seafood dining”, Cowrie Cove’s selection of dishes promises pleasure for the palate. Enjoy a sumptuous selection of fresh seafood, succulent steaks and Asian-inspired dishes.
For starters, order Cowrie Cove’s Spanish mackerel confit and quinoa salad with organic tomatoes, ricotta and lime. Priced at Php505, this is their signature dish. You can also opt to go for another of their signature dishes, which is their caesar salad with grilled prawns, croutons, anchovies and parmesan shavings, priced at Php500.
Moving on to the main dish, if you’re up for seafood, why not try their slow-cooked octopus with Bohol prawns and potato confit? It’s priced at Php575, but if you’re not a fan of seafood, you can try their organic chicken and foie gras with corn congee and champignon, priced at Php560 — it’s also one of their signature dishes. Or, if you’re a vegetarian or just feeling a healthier option, they have a green tagliatelle with spicy tomato and sautéed spinach, priced at Php380.
And of course, dessert! Try their chocolate semifreddo with greek yoghurt and mango tartar, priced at Php280.

ABACA BOUTIQUE RESORT
Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
Abacá Restaurant provides a full service California-Mediterranean inspired restaurant and bar. Their menu – which uses the finest local and imported ingredients – was developed by their executive chefs and includes wood fired oven roasted meats and seafood, homemade pizzas and pastas, freshly baked breads, tapas and a wide array of salads and appetizers. The award winning restaurant is open to the public for lunch and dinner.
For your appetizer, you can ask their staff for their daily soup, priced at Php395. Their salt ‘n pepper calamari is good too, with chili salt, lemon and traditional aiolo — priced at Php475. You can also opt for their Caesar salad with crisp egg, smoked bacon, lemon and a creamy parmesan dressing, priced at Php545.
Their wood-fired flatbread pizzas are also popular; try their prosciutto variation, with fire-roasted onions, mozzarella, parmesan and arugula, priced at Php525.
For the main course, their slow-roasted lamb shank paired with a creamy garlic mash and glazed vegetables is heavenly, priced at Php895.
To finish your luxurious meal, try their Tahitian vanilla creme brulee, priced at Php165, or their homemade fruit sorbet, Php165.

ENYE AT CRIMSON RESORT AND SPA
Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan, Seascapes Resort Town, Soong, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
Nowhere else but Spain boasts tapas with such intricate flavors, so Chef Chele Gonzalez has come home to Cebu and brought his family’s kitchen with him. Enye is quite the pleasant spot where the surprising aesthetic never surpasses the combination of amazing flavours.
Start off with their flavourful jamon y parmesano, with Serrano ham and parmesan mousse on toasted sliced bread, Php85. Or try their charcuteria or cold cuts, particularly their degustacion jamon that has Serrano and Iberico ham, Php390. If you’re up for seafood as a starter, you can have their gambas al ajillo, which is shrimp sauteed in olive oil with garlic and chili, Php460.
Their paella negra, or black ink paella with squid and octopus, is an indulgent main course, priced at Php690. Paired with a refreshing cucumber mule – made of cuke, ginger, ale, fresh lime juice priced at Php220, this makes for a pleasurable gastronomic experience.
Of course, you can’t have a luxurious meal without dessert! Try their tarta de chocolate y helado de vainilla, a chocolate-orange tart with vanilla ice cream, Php290.

PIG AND PALM
Negros Rd, Cebu City, Cebu
The Pig & Palm is the first Filipino restaurant from Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton and his wife Irha Atherton. Located in Irha’s hometown of Cebu, the restaurant offers a modern Spanish tapas menu with a focus on pork dishes. An adjoining bar serves innovative cocktails and bar snacks.
Their beef and foie gras mini burgers (that have bacon, cheese, onions and tomato relish) are very filling, priced at Php690. They also serve a pork truffle mac n’ cheese with toasted breadcrumbs, priced at Php595. Or, if you’re trying to keep away from eating pig (even though it’s evident that their menu revolves around pork), you can have their beer-battered fish and chips with tartar sauce at Php810.
To finish your meal, try their matcha Cheesecake with raspberry, yuzu (Japanese orange) and white chocolate, Php380. You can also pair your meal with one of their many wine choices.

KAYU
32 Sanson Rd, Cebu City, Cebu
Taking inspiration from the world, KAYU’s modern-fusion cuisine uses only the freshest and finest ingredients cooked with Chef Francis “Izzy”Sy’s imagination and passion. KAYU is derived from the Bisaya word “kalayo” meaning fire or passion.
Start off your meal with their shishito peppers, priced at Php150. Or try their beetroot salad with goat’s milk ricotta, tzatziki and guave gel, with an orange garam masala vinaigrette, Php270.
As an entree, try their braised shortrib with cornbread puree, braised shallot, beech mushroom and a demi glaze, Php950. Pair this with their virgin mojito, Php100.
To finish your meal, get their “potted” chocolate tiramisu, made of sabayon, a crunchy hazelnut meringue, coffee sponge cake, chocolate “sand”, strawberry gelee and vanilla sauce, Php240.
]]>The affair also served as the introduction of Chef Daniel Quintero, the resort’s new executive sous chef. The Spanish chef, who has traveled across renowned kitchens around the world, brings his passion and the luster of his incredible Michelin-starred experience to the Philippines.
The subtle sophistication of his creations made the perfect pairings to the wine, all of which were enjoyed by Cebu’s most recognizable personalities.
SHANGRI-LA’S MACTAN RESORT & SPA
Punta Engano Road, Lapu Lapu City
6332. 231 0288 | email
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Putting together the finest in dining, accommodation, shopping and jewelry, the Ultimate Dream Date takes romance a notch higher, as it promises a lavishly unforgettable experience.
The Ultimate Dream Date begins with a limousine ride going to the resort, where the couple enjoys an overnight stay in the resort’s Presidential Suite, a luxurious two- bedroom suite with a dining area and balcony offering panoramic views of the ocean. The couple also enjoys a harmonizing signature treatment at CHI, The Spa and access to its rejuvenating water pavilion.
As a prelude to a blissful evening, the couple gets to hop on a helicopter ride over the scenic Mactan Channel, ending in a pre-dinner cocktail of Dom Pérignon Champagne upon arrival. An exquisite five-course dinner then follows at the resort’s Paradise Island, a scenic hideaway at the heart of the beachfront. The dinner is complemented by free-flowing beverages, dreamy tunes by a private musician, plus a spectacular piece of diamond jewelry for the lady.
The celebration does not end there, as on top of the romantic dinner date, the lady will be given a shopping spree at a luxury retail chain with private butler assistance, which may be availed on the couple’s preferred date.
A selection of romantic dining offers is also available at the resort’s scenic spots including Paradise Island and the iconic Observatory and Gazebo for Valentine’s Day.
A six-course set menu served at Paradise Island starts at P20,000++ per couple, and includes a bottle of champagne, free-flowing non-alcoholic beverages, a bouquet of flowers and a private musician. Meanwhile, a five-course set menu at the beachfront, along with the aforementioned inclusions, starts at P15,000++ per couple.
Couples who wish to toast to their love stories at either the Observatory, Gazebo, or Acqua Veranda may enjoy a five-course set menu with a bottle of champagne, bouquet of flowers and CHI, The spa discount voucher. This package is priced at P15,000++ per couple.
At the resort’s outlets, couples may also celebrate with an indulgent gastronomic experience. At Acqua, a Valentine’s Day five-course set menu served with a glass of sparkling wine is at P4,000++ per person, while Cowrie Cove’s five-course set menu with a glass of sparkling wine is at P5,000++ per person. Tides will also offer a Valentine’s Day special with a lunch buffet priced at P2,250++ per person.
The day of romance indeed casts a festive spell all around this seaside paradise.
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City
6332. 231 8224 | fbreservations.mac@shangri-la.com

Jen Sarmiento, DJ and CEO of Beauty and Beyond Philippines

A view of Cebu from Tops
Out of all the places in Cebu, I would probably say that Tops is my all-time favorite spot. This place is not only romantic, but it is extremely overwhelming and relaxing as well. If you simply want to wander off and be somewhere out of the city, this would be the perfect spot. Not only do you get the cool refreshing wind sensation tingling down your spine, but you also get a breathtaking view of the city. The most ideal time to go here would be at night, where the area transforms into a real life planetarium. There were times in the past that I was even able to witness a meteor shower. Tops truly is an amazing spot worth visiting, taking into consideration that is just 30 minutes away from the city. Tops in one word is breathtaking.

Cowrie Cove
Another favorite spot to hang out in a “chill” atmosphere would be the cowrie cove beach front. This is an ideal place to watch the sunset with your favorite people in the world. I’ve done this a lot and the feeling is fulfilling every time. Moreover, you get to enjoy their delicious cocktails and quick bites and you can have fun frolicking in the sand ’til night time.

Jen with her family and friends at Oslob
For nature lovers like me, Oslob is one of the spots I truly enjoy. In Oslob, I was able to experience swimming with the world’s largest fish. It is quite a remarkable experience for people who enjoy long drives and a mix of adventure. The icing on the cake would probably be the unforgettable whale shark or “butanding” in the local dialect.
Edited from the published article Locales in Zee Lifestyle Directory April 2014 Vol 5 No. 3