A culinary fiesta in Cebu

Not too long ago, having a meal at a restaurant was not common among Cebuanos, because employees and their bosses could go home for lunch since there was no traffic to contend with. Ladies who worked likewise entertained at home. When evening came, the beloved cucinera, who had been with the family for ages, would whip up a fiesta for dinner.

But over the years, Cebu has grown and changes were inevitable. Traffic has become a reality and the much-cherished lady-of-the-cucina has happily retired without a suitable replacement. So, restaurants have sprouted everywhere, both in the downtown and uptown districts, in malls and even in distant places away from the center of the city, offering our very own turo-turo fare of every imaginable dish from faraway lands.

Now doing excellently well are Tequila Joe’s and Café Adriatico, both at the popular Ayala Entertainment Center.

To continuously achieve customer satisfaction, TJ chef Roby Goco constantly introduces twists and modifications to the menu with a mix of fusion Italian, Mexican and Californian fare.

Still highly recommended for appetizer is the bruschetta, followed by the fire-roasted black peppercorn and garlic crab and the grilled sesame short ribs. The meal is best capped with the Bomb, a sinful dessert with layers of chocolate mousse, almond meringue and ganache icing, coated with dark chocolate and drizzled with caramel sauce.

TJ has evolved as the venue for those who want a gratifying dining experience. Offering portions that are large enough for three, it is ideal for family get-togethers. Check out its selection of beers. It offers the best value in town.

The Cebu franchisees are three gentlemen, all lovers of the good life and good food, Jose Sala, Tony Lozada and Pericles Dakay.

Cafe Adriatico of the famed Larry Cruz chain of bistros is another culinary institution, with full-of-ideas entrepreneurs with diverse business interests Jay Aldeguer and Eduard Hoogeweegen as its new partners and Christine Aldeguer as its hands-on general manager.

They have kept a close eye on the smallest of details and have successfully maintained the familiar and friendly cozy ambience that entices diners to simply enjoy a quiet evening with friends or perhaps discuss business with associates.

The extensive choices in the informal, hip and casual bistro are consistently excellent. The wine bar is superbly stocked.

Recently, young enterprising friends Allen Tan, Christopher Uy and Deborrah Ann Cua Ho opened their first retail outlet in Banilad, the ever-changing but always for the better part of the city, and aptly called it Lechon King.

The tagline of "Cebu royal roast" applies not just to the secret recipes and cooking techniques that make this particular lechon from Cebu so distinct and delicious, but also to the extra care that assures its crispiness down to the last bite.

Not to be outdone, just below the newly-inaugurated overpass in neighboring Mandaue City, is a sprawling yet unpretentious Filipino restaurant called Fruits, Green and Grill, owned and managed by young couple Jay and Judly Li.

The specialties of the house include sea mantis, fresh oysters and crabs shipped from Mindanao, and cooked in a variety of ways. The kitchen offers an unassuming mix of Filipino and Chinese cooking. Everything is done with the utmost simplicity and respect for ingredients. You will want to come back for more.

And there are more places waiting to be discovered. Come visit Cebu. Have a fiesta!