The opening saw many of Cebu’s foodies in attendance as they sampled the British chef’s creations.
]]>Just like any other new restaurant in town, it can get overwhelming to decide what to have, especially with The Pig & Palm’s selection of mouthwatering dishes. With Zee Lifestyle present at the media launch right after it opened, we give you some of the early favorites that’ll definitely keep you coming back for more.
SQUID CRACKERS
Squid crackers, potato aioli and black onion
Don’t be wary of the black color! The squid crackers, potato aioli and black onion is a light appetizer, with the dip bringing out the unique flavors of the squid. This would surely stave off the hunger pangs while making you look forward to the other courses.
CHICKEN KARAAGE
Chicken karaage and sriracha mayonnaise
When you have sriracha mayonnaise, you can’t really go wrong with anything… especially not with The Pig & Palm’s chicken karaage. It’s a slightly heavier appetizer so tasty that you’re going to want to keep grabbing seconds. This, or the main courses? Yep, this definitely makes setting priorities difficult.
OLD-FASHIONED PORK TERRINE
Old-fashioned pork terrine, pistachio, “onion-onion & onion”
The old-fashioned pork terrine is pleasantly cold to the taste buds, the temperature allowing for an irresistible burst of flavor. Just like the karaage, this loaf is quite the delicious treat that would easily make you decide to have it as a main course. And, no, we can’t really blame anyone for that.
KINILAW
Kinilaw of shrimp, calamansi, pickled papaya, chili and coconut
Every Cebuano knows what kinilaw is. Jason Atherton elevates this delicacy of sorts with a fresh take, serving the kinilaw on shells set on a bed of ice. The zesty flavors brought about by the calamansi makes this dish ridiculously addicting.
ROASTED SUCKLING PORK
Roasted suckling pork, soya onion gravy, apple, mustard leaf
Sure, call it lechon, but you’ll have to admit this is roasted pork unlike anything else before. The meat is temptingly tender, the skin roasted to that perfect crisp, and that soya onion gravy is a surprising twist that makes a lot of sense. If there’s a star in Atherton’s Pig & Palm menu, this would definitely be it.
Do you agree with our list? Sound off in the comments with your other recommendations!
See photos from The Pig & Palm’s grand opening below:
THE PIG & PALM
Open Tuesday to Sunday
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
MSY Tower, Cebu Business Park
website | 63. 929 481 4668
UNOS DESIGN
Unos Design (Photography by Mark Philip Dales: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, December 2015)
The Hyper Cebu squad hanging out at Unos Design (Photography by Dan Douglas Ong: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016)
Founded through James and Tasha Dixon’s passion for creating, Unos Design started as their personal hub where they could showcase their love for designing interiors, fashion, motorcycles, food and drinks. “The concept behind Unos Design is to build a lifestyle brand around an establishment that promotes art, music, and the freedom to express your passions under one roof,” says Tasha. The result is a coffee and cocktail bar that serves great brews, small bites, and signature drinks while displaying their customized bikes, leather bags, and accessories.
Befitting to this concept, Unos Design successfully treads a fine line between a homey vibe and a big city feel reminiscent of Hong Kong, London, and New York. “We encapsulate a relatively hipster feel and promote street culture through our selection of art, products, and music,” Tasha explains. The eclectic design is emphasized through the hand-painted chairs, the propriety art and photography, and the customized BMW on display. Tasha adds that she and James conceptualized all the elements, with everything fabricated, modified and painted by their team.
A. del Rosario St., Mandaue City
website | Facebook | Instagram
The Chocolate Chamber Boutique (Photography by Mark Philip Dales: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, December 2015)
THE CHOCOLATE CHAMBER BOUTIQUE
International delegates involved in the recently concluded APEC have already had a taste of Ralfe Gourmet’s famed chocolates, bringing Raquel Choa’s vision of promoting local tableya as a world-class product one step closer to reality. In line with her ongoing efforts, the Chocolate Queen of Cebu recently opened The Chocolate Chamber Boutique, an offshoot of her eponymous restaurant. It’s meant to be a showroom of her products; but while dining customers are directed to The Chocolate Chamber down the road, there’s also a room designated for small functions and chocolate appreciation sessions.
With Raquel’s penchant for decorating and close attention to detail, no two visits to The Chocolate Chamber Boutique will ever be alike. The neutral color palette on the walls makes them ideal canvasses for Raquel’s chocolate paintings, including a big map of the Philippines on one side. The items on the shelves are constantly rearranged to highlight different products. The chocolate displays are always different, yet mouthwatering every single time. The pièce de résistance is an artistic, almost abstract mural of Raquel and her famous truffle set on the wall behind the counter. It’s a befitting tribute to Raquel, who has worked hard to elevate tableya into a Cebu delicacy.
G/F Sarrosa International Hotel
F. Cabahug St., Mabolo, Cebu City
website | Facebook
PIGAFETTA
Pigafetta (Photography by Mark Philip Dales: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, December 2015)
Following the huge success of Zubuchon—yes, that restaurant hailed by Anthony Bourdain as having the ‘Best Pig Ever!’—Market Man Joel Binamira shifts his focus to a new dining concept in Cebu. Vastly different from his flagship restaurant, Pigafetta is—in Joel’s own words—a small watering hole for folks who want an authentic Italian meal in a modern setting. “It’s a place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine and perhaps a plank of cold cuts before a bowl of pasta or a Neapolitan-style pizza,” says Joel. “It’s meant for a younger, cosmopolitan crowd that not only looks for Italian food, but an appealing setting as well.”
Pigafetta’s interior, designed by architect Maya Franco and executed by KG Builders, is meant to set the mood for a meal—a casual yet modern and slightly edgy feel than Joel’s other restaurants. The décor, is predominantly black and white, complemented by local machuca tiles, stainless steel surfaces, wooden tables, and metal chairs. Dining at Pigafetta is also a comfortable yet stylish affair, with carefully selected plates, cutlery, and glasses that are conversation pieces by themselves. Filament bulbs add a nostalgic touch, providing a softer light that creates an intimate and welcoming ambiance that invites guests to linger in the evenings.
AXIS Entertainment Avenue
N. Escario St., Cebu City
Facebook
Canvas Bistro Bar Gallery (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2016)
CANVAS BISTRO BAR GALLERY
Seven years after it first opened at the Ayala Center Cebu, Canvas Bistro Bar Gallery reinvents itself with an intimate yet industrial setting—a canvas, if you may—for their dishes served in signature artistic flair.
The new Canvas Bistro Bar Gallery, located along the Maria Luisa Road in Banilad, utilizes the materials used in their previous restaurant. Interior designer Shiela Solon collaborated with owners Chef Steve and Eya Shrimski for an unfinished minimalist decor, complemented with warm lighting from the eclectic mix of light fixtures. Besides highlighting the artworks displayed in Canvas—it is a gallery, after all—the lighting also makes it easy to take some drool-worthy #foodporn posts, especially their new offerings, which range from healthy options to classic breakfast staples to all-time favorite comfort food.
One Paseo, Paseo Saturnino Road
Banilad, Cebu City
Facebook | Instagram
CIRCA 1900
Circa 1900 (Photography by Robo Formacion: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2014)
Chefs Jan Rodriguez and Chip Lopez have a quick chat over coffee at Circa 1900. (Photography by Christine Cueto/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, August 2015)
The rustic charm and lush greens of Circa 1900 has made it quite the popular destination for stylish #OOTDs and even wedding-related photo shoots. A scenic home-turned-restaurant tucked into one of Gorordo’s quieter streets, Circa 1900 is ideal for romantic dates and intimate group dinners. Picnic tables and benches are scattered across the property, although the grand staircase sitting underneath a porte-cochere beckons guests into the main area of the restaurant. At the top is a small porch with cozy lounges, cocktail tables and chairs, and an opening to the bar inside.
The menu is innovative, featuring international dishes while paying homage to the Filipino culinary heritage through the use of local ingredients. The food is ideal for foreigners who want to experience local cuisine, yet taste something that’s still familiar to them.
Sanjercasvil Road
Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City
Facebook | Instagram
Did we miss any places? Have recommendations? Sound off in the comments below!
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The main foyer of the Dixon Residence (Photography by Mark Philip Dales: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2016)
It was a particularly hot January afternoon cruising through Bauhinia Drive, but the Zee Lifestyle team was in for a cool surprise upon arriving at the residence of James and Tasha Dixon. Nestled in an alcove just a short drive away from the entrance, the house which was built in 1947 is a treasure for anyone wishing to live a laid-back lifestyle in Cebu’s urban jungle.
The exterior brings a certain flurry of nostalgia mixed with curiosity of the history that has transpired within its walls. It has a seamless combination of contemporary and classic design with parts of the outside wall decked in frosted glass cutting and red brick walls that you can only find in houses with old Filipino architecture. The color of the house, however, is painted with reds, blacks and whites giving it a more up-to-date Tudor look.
Peter Yuill’s The Dreadnaught Ships hangs in the Dixons’ spacious living room (Photography by Mark Philip Dales: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2016)
The two large wooden doors were opened and we were welcomed by a household member into the foyer connecting to a home office with two floor-to-ceiling glass walls presenting a wide view of the backyard. The first thing to greet us was a big brown, fluffy teddy bear lounging on a white chair, a sign that this was a child-friendly space.
Prior to moving to Bauhinia, the Dixon residence at North Town Homes, which was featured in this very magazine two years ago, was very modern and minimalist. Yet the couple longed for a house that had a much cozier feel and a more vintage look incorporating distinct Filipino character. This dream was realized in January 2015 when they moved into their current home along with their three children and four dogs.
The sprawling back yard is set up with picnic tables. This is also where the children play with their dogs (Photography by Mark Philip Dales: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2016)
While waiting for Tasha to arrive from the office, we were led into the living room where we easily found ourselves at home sitting on their huge comfy couch. Fronting the sofa is a flat screen TV on a custom-made console of wood and iron girders from the scrapyard with two plastic T-rexes waiting to pounce on either side. The dining area adjacent to the living room features the wall décor housing a variety of books and family pictures giving it a nice homey touch.
The Dixon’s love for art is clearly evident in the pieces found in their home. On one wall sits one of their favorites, a hand drawn piece entitled by their friend Peter Yuill who also designed the mural at Unos, the café and hub for motorcycle enthusiasts that Tasha and James founded.
The children’s play area on the second room is light and airy, and follows the theme of the entire home with touches of red (Photography by Mark Philip Dales: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2016)
“Though it’s hot outside, it’s surprisingly cool in here,” features editor Patty Taboada remarked and I couldn’t help but nod in agreement. The area where we were sitting had wide windows with sleek, black shutters opening to the driveway curving around a rotunda plotted with trees and a manicured lawn. Tasha’s car came into view and we stood up to meet her at the foyer. “Sorry for coming a bit late. But, welcome to my home!”
We went back into the living room where the doors accessing the lanai were drawn. The expansive yard was one of the reasons why Tasha chose this place. “The kids have more room to run around here compared to our house in North Town.” The children weren’t the only ones enjoying the spacious yard. As soon as we stepped out, two of their four friendly dogs were playfully running around us. One feature of the veranda which the couple loves is the woven ceiling that Tasha points out to us.
A Simon Birch painting adds a splash of color to the Dixons’ predominantly white master’s bedroom (Photography by Mark Philip Dales: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2016)
Tasha then leads us up the big wooden staircase going to the second floor. The landing mid-flight is the perfect place to view another much-loved art piece which the couple received as a wedding gift. The gargantuan oil painting called Scapa Flow filled up most of the space on the wall. Simon Birch, the artist and friend of the couple, was featured in the New York Times for his work ‘The 14th Factory’ which is the biggest art installation in the history of New York.
On the second floor, we immediately see an assortment of toys and books neatly arranged against a wall with a couch across it, a nook where the kids can read and play. Tasha strolls into the master’s bedroom where another Simon Birch painting is mounted on the wall above the bed. She opens the balcony windows and a cool breeze comes in.
I ask her how the kids felt about moving to this house and she smiles and says, “The kids love it here and they get to meet the other kids in the neighborhood too since they like playing in the rotunda in front of the house. I like giving them treats–we’re known as the candies and cookies house.”
A customized shelf set against the wall in the dining area hold books, trinkets and other knickknacks (Photography by Mark Philip Dales: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2016)
We step back out into the hallway leading to the other side where the guest room is located. This room is lined with windows that would be a haven for any of the Dixon’s visitors. The spacious bed sits in the middle of two pink lamps, an accent to the stark white paint in the room.
The last room that we checked on the second floor is the kids’ room. Tasha takes a peek inside and shows us her three lovely children having their afternoon nap in their designated beds. “They’re still asleep and I still have to go back to the office!”
As we headed downstairs, we noticed two more doors near the entrance and asked Tasha about them. “Well, one is the bathroom and the other one we still haven’t quite figured out yet.” The couple hasn’t decided whether it would be a guest room, a music studio or a baking room though they’re leaning towards a music studio since all of James’ music collection is stored there.
With its vintage style windows, stone walls and wooden furnishings, the Dixons have truly enhanced this house with a blend of the couple’s creative touch and plethora of art, making it their home and at the same time preserving its history and Filipino character.
by Korina Estrada photography Mark Philip Dales
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2016. For full access to our current and back issues, subscribe to Magzter.
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Zee Lifestyle’s February 2016 Real Estate Issue: Michelle Mulet Yu (Photography: Dan Douglas Ong/Sittings Editor: Shari Quimbo/Stylists: BLAQ Mafia/Makeup: Emi Ayag)
On the cover is Michelle Mulet Yu. As the driving force behind homegrown real estate company Landtraders World Properties Corp., Michelle proves that while the industry is mainly a man’s world, femininity can be an asset in finding a place in Cebu’s growing skyline.
In this issue’s Conversations, key players in the hospitality and real estate industries are paired up for an interesting exchange of ideas. Hoteliers Manna Alcaraz of Marco Polo Plaza and Cassandra Cuevas of Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, real estate brokers Renee Noval-Guillen and Xacah Kiener-Chang, real estate executives Davy Tan of Rockwell Land and Noli Hernandez of Megaworld, and sales executives Nova Noval of Vista Residences and Rouen Abel Raz of Taft Properties, all divulge their thoughts on Cebu’s evolving vista.
Zee Lifestyle introduces the next generation of Cebu’s Young Professionals. Tri-J Marketing’s John Rey Guadalquiver, Sprockets’ Rachel Arandilla, Atelier de Aurora and BLIND Clothing’s Kathrynn Dawn Sy, real estate broker Morgan Tornilla, The Cebruery’s Toni Marie Despojo, SALT’s John Mark Cañete, The Fat Pig’s Alfred Sayson, and The Chocolate Chamber’s Anthony, Jonathan and Hanna Choa, all prove that there’s no age limit when it comes to minding your own business.
BUSINESS CLASS. Cebu’s Young Professionals of 2016 (Photography: Joseph Ong/Sittings Editor: Patty Taboada/Creative Director: Shari Quimbo/Makeup: Romero Vergara and Jam Diez/Hair: Gino Fonghe/Locale: BIG Hotel)
This edition also explores some of the most enviable spaces in the city. James and Tasha Dixon’s modern yet minimalist abode retains touches of Filipino architecture, interior designer Anton Mendoza creates a cosmopolitan residence in 1016 Residences, and Slater Young, Victor Consuji and Stephen Ku defy all odds with the stunning Sky House, a modern structure that floats over one of the cliffs in the highlands of Cebu.
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Real Estate issue, out on stands next month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here, or download the Magzter app on your device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
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Zee Lifestyle’s October 2015 Luxury Issue: Dina Arroyo-Tantoco and Catherine Tantoco Huang (Sittings Editor: Shari Quimbo/Photography by Filbert Kung/Production Assistant: Patty Taboada/Styled by Sheryl Songsong/Makeup by Byron Velasquez of MAC/Hair by Eddiemar Cabiltes/Clothes available at Rustan’s Department Store)
With the launch of a bigger and better Rustan’s Department Store dedicated to bring to Cebu the world’s most luxurious lifestyle brands, cover girls Dina Arroyo-Tantoco and Catherine Tantoco Huang show the family dynamics behind the premium brand.
To give the lowdown on luxury, Leslie Ann Reyes, Patrice Huang, Chin Onglatco, SJ Quitevis, John Franco and Preston Nicholas share experiences and purchases they consider their ultimate indulgences.
Similarly, this month’s Conversations feature pits together Maris Aznar Holopainen and Annie Chen, Denise Fajatin-Pegarido and Allen Zaldarriaga, John Rey Guadalquiver and Tasha Dixon, Kyle Uy and Michael Goho, Allen Tan and Lor Torres, Michelle Yu and Dr. Cecilia Ramos-Bernad, and Drs. Fremont Base and Peter Mancao to find out their individual luxury preferences.
Zee Lifestyle also sits down with Alexandra Seno, Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn, Leigh Carcel, Mia Borromeo, Yiouri Augousti, Gerry and Pamela Montanus, Derek and Mary Ann Arculli, and Butch Carungay for The Call of Luxe, a dinner discussion focused on defining luxury and figuring out its various aspects.
This issue also features a rundown on the latest indulgent trends in the world as well as the best luxury that Cebu can offer, including Amparito Lhuillier’s home, designs by Debbie Palao, and the most premium accommodations in town.
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Luxury Issue, out on stands this month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here, or download the Magzter app on your device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
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