"Come Chilli With us!"

CEBU, Philippines – Those looking for deluxe Mexican chili dish with a Korean taste finally have their place. Here is one place for the adventurous eaters.

SeñorKimchi has recently opened, serving a rare luxury of Mexican-Korean fusion cuisine. Thus, the name SeñorKimchi - "Señor" being Mexican word for "Sir," and "Kimchi" which is the national dish of Korea. This fusion cuisine is said to have originated from the streets of Los Angeles, California where Kimberley Dacay, SeñorKimchi's owner, stayed for a couple of years. Kim says she got so fascinated by the flavorful combination of traditional Mexican and Korean dishes and wanted to share this food culture to her hometown Cebu.

While the Mexican-Korean fusion cuisine in Los Angeles is a peddling food truck arrangement, Kim has her Cebu restaurant fixed in one place. The food-truck idea poses logistical concerns, and location problems; the local climate being a challenge as well. A fixed location is the better option.

SeñorKimchi servings are large enough for sharing. The prices are okay, fair enough for the taste and the fill. Aside from the interesting Mexican-Korean fare, the resto also serves specialties from other Oriental regions like Japan, China and the Philippines - in an ambiance that is a homey blend of Mexican and Korean.

Overall, the furnishings have a trendy contemporary feel. Hip wall markings and paintings scream "Come chilli with us!" Kim promises a different experience for food lovers; she herself helps out in the kitchen, aside from overseeing the counter. She sees to it that food is served within 15 minutes.

SeñorKimchi is located at Unit F18 Axis Entertainment Avenue, Escario Street, Cebu City. The resto is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.