The Politics Café inaugural

CEBU, Philippines - The veritable who’s who of Cebu politics, including a host of fashionable supporters, observers, and arm-chair critics, trooped to Politics Café at the Escario Central arcade last July 10 to formally inaugurate this chic and distinctive dining experience.   

Politics has become a national pastime in this country whose colorful and unpredictable narrative makes ours one of the more interesting and peculiar societies of the last two centuries. So what better way to celebrate the triumph of public policy, observe the shifting of political tides, decry the failure of governance, lament the exposition of shaking scandals (PDAF, anyone?), or to simply not talk about politics, than over delectable dishes inspired by events or attitudes that shape history  or leaders who’ve left a slightly better world.

Always politically-correct

Stylish power couple Liloan Mayor Duke Frasco and Atty. Christina Garcia–Frasco (loving mother, First Lady of Liloan, practicing lawyer, champion mooter/debater, philanthropist, commercial endorser, writer, and now restaurateur—a dear friend of mine who never ceases to surprise and amaze and inspire) initially opened Politics Café a few years ago in what used to be Duke’s campaign headquarters in Liloan. Now, as they’ve brought the restaurant to the city, they’ve teamed up with Gilt’s Jay Chiongbian for a formidable alliance, a winning slate sure to receive your support where excellent dining is concerned.

Sovereignty and Sauvignon, democracy at work

Exercise your right of suffrage and choose freely from a wide selection of themed dishes, all straight out of a “PCOS ballot” for a menu. Cast your votes for Ex Benedict IV, their delicious Constitutional Carbonara Al Pesto, or the Political Power Burger. My favorite pica-pica, Political Outburst Jalapeño Poppers, does have a way of inciting rebellion, making spirited discussions among friends even more hot and tasty!

Issues that usually leave an awful taste in the mouth have become delightful gastronomic choices—case in point: their Crab Mentality Crab Cakes and Pork Barrel Sisig (if you can’t beat them, eat them!). Then again, there’s always the Bolognese a la Machiavelli or the First Lady’s Tuna for more personality-based picks. (A friendly reminder, here and only here, flying voters are allowed, encouraged even.)

Campaign for their oysters, a Politics specialty: Fresh Term Oysters, Baked Bills Oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, Crunch Time Oysters.

Some of Politics’ signature drinks are the El Mayor (Johnnie Walker Black and Jose Cuervo on the rocks, concocted by Mayor Duke himself) and the Oval Office (Bombay Sapphire, Malibu Rum, and brandy).

Completing Politics’ very East Coast feel (Boston and New York come to mind) is a wine cellar that holds Bibendum wines. They also sell premium cigars. 

Cause célèbre, nay, a cause for celebration

Political bigwigs Cebu City Mayor Mike Lopez Rama, former Cebu Governor and incumbent Rep. Gwen Garcia, ALU-TUCP Partylist Rep. Raymond Mendoza, Reps Luigi Romualdez Quisumbing, and Benhur Salimbangon, were joined by owners in cutting the customary ribbon to formally open Politics to the public at large. The ribbon was in blue, red, and white, and so it was as if a political campaign was just launched!  

When I was in Manila a couple of months back to have what has become a traditional joint-birthday lunch (sometimes dinner) with my always charming yet ever contentious paternal grand aunt Imelda Romualdez Marcos, I casually mentioned how her photo was already hanging on the second floor of Politics Café (then on its soft opening), along with other world and Philippine leaders. She gamely signed a portrait of hers, one especially for Politics, which I hand-carried to Cebu. “She is the daughter I never had,” the former Philippine First Lady would always say of Christina’s mother, Rep. Gwen.

Former President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo, despite her medical condition, also sent in her contribution: an autographed photo with United States President Barack Obama at the Oval Office of the White House (luckily, she included a signed copy dedicated to me). After all, President Arroyo was not only a political ally of former Governor Gwen, she also stood as principal sponsor at the Frasco couple’s wedding—side by side a known political foe of hers, another iconic politician, former President Joseph Estrada. To my knowledge, only the Frasco couple has ever pulled that off. See, all politics is personal.

Imelda Marcos would say, “win or lose, we go shopping after the election.” However, at Politics Café, whatever your political persuasion, predisposition, or present position, win or lose, you dine in style. (FREEMAN)