Gourmet guru invests P7M for resto venture in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - A renowned consultant for gourmets in the country and abroad finally decided to put up her own café, deli and restaurant in Cebu to showcase her original food innovations and her love for cooking.

Divina Veloso-Couvreux, known to be one of the pillars in helping the gourmet industry in the Philippines, formally opened Fuzion Gourmet at Mango Square Mall, General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City last Saturday. It had its soft opening last July 20 of this year.

Originally raised in Leyte, Veloso-Couvreux has traveled to different parts of the world and settled in Paris, France for more than 30 years.

She was previously engaged into the catering service business and opened up a high-end fashion jewelry before in France.

She poured an investment of around P7 million for the 148-square meter restaurant that has a seating capacity of 70 to 80 persons.

The Mediterranean-like restaurant offers a wide selection of different pastas, cakes, deli products such as Hungarian sausages, ham and chesses from all over the world including the locally-produced cheese products from Davao, green salad, cakes, cafes, latest wrap sandwiches, assorted fresh raviolis and imported wines.

Among the dishes included in the menu are chicken tajine, seared tuna, Fuzion burger, Roma burger, grilled lamb chops, turkey fillet, seabass and bacalao ragout.

“I develop my own recipes. I know what Filipinos love to eat and what they can afford,” Veloso-Couvreux said.

Fuzion Gourmet also boasts of its cozy and original restaurant design that Couvreux created herself, featuring the intricate ceiling and customized tables and chairs.

“This restaurant shows my passion for decoration. This business is a labor of love and I want this to grow further,” she added.

She noted that although it looks classy and sophisticated, Fuzion Gourmet caters to middle-income and high-end segment with its affordable and high-quality food.

One can already have a full meal with drinks starting at P100. Students from nearby schools can also avail of their house specialties such as the crispy chicken, pork barbecue and baby back ribs meals that are priced at P95, P115 and P175 respectively.

Veloso-Couvreux said that she intends to develop more Filipino dishes and be open for franchise soon.

She further revealed that she plans to expand within the country where there are a number of foreign communities particularly in Ormoc, Leyte and Angeles, Pampanga.

Fuzion Gourmet also has its business extension located in Alta Vista, Pardo, Cebu City that primarily caters to team buildings, business functions, parties, weddings, and birthday receptions. /JMD (FREEMAN)