Crimson's healthy options

CEBU, Philippines - A couple of weeks ago, we found ourselves at Crimson Resort & Spa's Saffron Café with Executive Chef Stuart James Blair, the Australian culinary head honcho in those parts. In anticipation of our subsequent session at their luxurious Aum Spa, Chef Stuart served dishes that were light and apt for diet-conscious diners.

True to his extensive work experience in the Asia Pacific region, Chef Stuart's creation of interesting Asian fusion cuisine is quite interesting to the eyes and intriguing to the palate.Fortunately for us who are chili hot sensitive, Honey Loop and I felt just a hint of a bite on our taste buds.Thus, we thoroughly savored the delectable offerings - from the lovely soup up to the tantalizing dessert spread.Well, one can well afford to splurge, after the light repast - thanks to the Executive Chef's healthy yet delicious new menu!

Right off, I opted for the pomelo & prawn salad.And I was glad of my choice:this salad is refreshing in its citrus tang (my fave fruit, anytime!) and the succulent sweetness of the prawns, accenting the crisp greens.

Another lovely concoction was the pan-seared tuna paired with sweet crunchy apple slices and the ever-dependable crunch of quality peanuts. You get your oil from delicious nuts and your sweetness from fresh fruit, along with pure protein from the Yellow Fin fillet - guiltless delectation!

I had second helpings of the deceptively light-looking egg rolls.The sweet chili sauce was just right, to give it a Thai stamp. Yet, this can be filling after a couple of helpings.

The Chinese-style Honey Chili Chicken was a bit too sweet for me. I believe the hoi sin sauce ingredient could be minimized, as it tended to drown out the chicken flavor.Otherwise, this is another quaint dish.

Ah, the crunchy king prawn with a side salad of sweet corn and black beans, was a revelation. I never realized that the combination of all those could be downright delightful.

I leave the dessert spread to your imagination…just go ahead and feast with your eyes.

Kudos to the culinary magic of Executive Chef Stuart! Check out Saffron Café's new menu at Crimson Resort & Spa and be guiltless in your food adventure. (FREEMAN)