ESPANOL AND LECHE FLAN, ANYONE? | IPAR’S RESTAURANT REVIEW [PHOTOS]

 

–    ★★★★

How authentic is authentic?

One evening, when my partner and I went to a restaurant that serves “authentic” Spanish cuisine (mixed with Filipino), and I was undeniably disappointed. First and foremost, two of the specific cuisines they offer are supposed to be amped up with flavors because Spanish people once hailed towards far Asia to search for spices, and this should be elementary. But it results to a bland taste, which for me is unrighteous. And second, the price does not compensate the offers.

And then we have Ipar’s: Authentic Spanish Cuisine restaurant at Ramos St., Cebu City, (along the Velez University road) which is also offers “authentic” Spanish cuisine. I have a Hispanic bloodline, so I shall judge… (hehe)

Ipar’s has long been famous for obvious articles that are boastfully posted on their walls with the owner/chef’s in it. Ipar’s has been praised due to the dishes that is closely or a true replica of a certain dish from Spain, since the chef himself has thoroughly studied on why do Spanish cuisine ticks to millions of people around the globe.

I applaud the place.

It’s a real Hispanic interior. Impressive from its huge Spanish-restaurant rodeo cloth hanging above the high ceiling to their cooking pans that hung on the walls which gives the exact feel of a Spanish kitchen.

They have an array of canvass posted together with the pans, and some Hispanic photographs and artifacts that makes you feel you’re in the right place.

I love how Ipar’s makes you feel like you’re not in the Philippines but in Spain. It’s a true plus point.

Now to their Food. They have a Spanish menu (which will be awkward if it’s not), that are separated according to their kind, whether it’s Carnes (Pork, Beef, Lambs), Ensaladas (Salads), Aves (Fowl/Chicken) or Pescado Y Mariscos (Fish and Shellfish) … (wow, so proud of me mentioning these Spanish words).

Try their Pechuga en Salsa (Chicken breast in cream sauce topped with sliced mushroom)… should I explain further? Anyway, it’s very tasteful. I love the overpowering saltiness that gives it a wow factor. This will cost you P180.00

Also their Chuletas de Cerdo al Ajillo which are porkchops sautéed in garlic sauce that costs P200.00. This is very delicious. The garlic sauce is a perfect component in this dish that gives enough flavor for you to savor.

For some, salads are eaten before the main course, but I really don’t. It could be I eat it after or during. I’m weird.

Anyway, I love for you to try their Ensalada Mixta Completa (Mixed green salad) that has this vinegar-ish flavor that culminates the salad experience. I’ve never tasted like that anywhere (if you do, let me know). This salad cost P120.00

They have this superstar offer that is ranted all over Foursquare. It costs P70.00 and it’s their Leche Flan. Some say it’s the BEST leche flan in town, and we certainly agree with all of them. It’s very flavorful, and you just can’t stop taking a scoop of it until you get none.

The food in Ipar’s are good and how it stays true to the tagline “Authentic Spanish Cuisine”. My only concern is that because of its too much flavor, you may end up not finishing your food because it can always be too much for the taste, resulting to a feel of disgust it your gut. (BIDLI in Bisaya). Although the price range of the offers is from the lowest, P180.00 which are mostly salads, P200.00-P500.00 which are mostly the main dish, which is quite steep for budget diners out there.

But I’m happy because the other week it was closed due to a reserved party, so you plan ahead and call them before you go there.

Overall, it was a nice dining experience. Check out Ipar’s and tell us what you think.

SCHEDULE

Dinner – 6:00-10:00PM

CONTACT (for reservation)

Facebook

032 255-4727 or 032 410-7727

Ipars.com.ph

RATINGS

Place – 4

Service – 3

Pechuga en Salsa – 3

Chuletas de Cerdo al Ajillo – 4

Ensalada Mixta en Completa – 4

Leche Flan – 5

OVERALL – 4

 

AM I CRUISIN’? | CAFE GEORG | RESTAURANT REVIEW [PHOTOS]

 

– ★★★★★

It’s always a delight when you have plans on your own for that very day and that’s what you exactly wanted to do. But unfortunately, for my partner and I; it was a very stressful Saturday. We were planning to do a review for Ipar’s Restaurant, but unfortunately, the place was unavailable because it was used for a function… I wonder why they don’t have their own function rooms.

Well, the misfortune took us somewhere else deserving.

Café Georg is one of the spots where I always pass by and see at G/F MLD Bldg., Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, Banilad, Cebu City, and wanted to visit one day. And the plan that night was re-arranged by the stars to destine us to that very, very nice restaurant.

Having the wonderful theme of American style: which you can notice while you walk in, and has a cabinet of Chinas on the entrance part which looked lovely. Café Goerg is a restaurant extravagant that you can find and experience in the Queen City.

The place looks really expensive due to the Western style design. The plates and bottles that are hung on the walls captivate the sense plus the chandelier gives the warm and welcoming appeal. But what astonishes me the most is how the place made me feel like I’m on a boat or on a cruise, perhaps. It really gave me and my partner those feels which was really incredible.

Their Menu has the price range of P200.00++ – P300.00++ in the main course category, like fish, beef, pork, and pasta. Salads do vary from P150.00 – P200.00++. The reason why the price looks steep on their Menu because it already is revamped by VAT.

Try their PorkChop with Garlic Herb Butter which is P220.00 that culminates a pork experience. The butter and the vegetable sidings were the perfect combination. The flavours compliment together with the bland taste of the pork. It’s just too perfect for us, it’s too American, and it’s the taste I’ve been looking for a long time.

Also, try their Beef and Vegetable Casserole which costs P210.00 that is perfect for people who does want it bland-ish. I loved it because I think beef should be cooked that way. Also, the vegetable sidings are perfect apogee for it.

Their Bolognese is a marvelous delight for me because I am a pasta person, and I know when the pasta is good or not. Bolognese on other restaurants is too intense in sweetness; I have a hard time finishing it. But well, it maybe is cooked that way, but I beg to differ. Café Georg offers a Bolognese that is just right on its sweetness. I was wonderstrucked by the flavour which kept me saying ‘God! This is good!’ repeatedly. Café Georg’s Bolognese costs P195.00.

For the drinks, try their Red Grape Shake which is P115.00 that will conclude your dining experience. Café Georg also offers cakes and cupcakes and some delectable assortments for snacks and chilltime.

The service in Café Georg is superbly impressive. The waitresses put smiles on their faces whenever you glance at them, and that’s a plus point, of course. Then the service was very fast, we did not wait for 15 minutes for our order to arrive. What impresses us the most is that, although this might sound a bit absurd, but the fast response when we ordered extra rice. Well, in other restaurants, it will take time for the waiters to return with the extra rice, because we always order one.

Café Georg couldn’t place any more impressive feels in my system. When we deliberated, I quickly said, ‘This is a five’, and it will be a five.

CONTACT

Telephone – 234 0887

RATINGS

Place – 5

Porkchop with Garlic Herb Butter – 5

Beef and Vegetable Casserole – 4

Bolognese – 5

Red Grape Shake – 5

Service – 5

Value for Money – 5

OVERALL – 5

SKY DINING | SKY LOUNGE BY BLUE ELEPHANT RESTAURANT REVIEW [PHOTOS]

 

 

–          ★★★ ½

Ever wonder where those open air, top of the building, socialite restaurants we see in the movies? Well, there’s one in the Queen City called Sky Lounge by Blue Elephant.

Located at the 19^th floor of Apple One building, Cebu Business Park just across the Ayala Center Cebu mall.

Ayala Center Cebu bird’s eye view at Apple One.

Sky Lounge is a high class dining experience literally and metaphorically. Metaphorically, the experience makes you feel like one of the Alta Sociedad having an elegant dinner together with the people you like, or a business dinner; and Literally because it’s on top of a classy building… really, really high, made me drowsy, capturing the city view due to the fact that I have Acrophobia.

The Panoramic City View at Apple One

Talking about the view; it’s best to capture the moment in a night sky where you can see the city lights all around the 180 degrees view on their Al Fresco, and inside their glass windowed V.I.P. rooms.

The Al Fresco or the outside seating at Sky Lounge

Prior in going to Sky Lounge, you have to make reservations ahead of time due that in its very exclusive and few table seating space, also famous dining spot: plenty of people visit to have that top of the city dining experience. Also, there’s a P300.00, consumable on both food and drink, table fee.

The V.I.P. room at Sky Lounge

The food is in Thai cuisine, perfect for those who want extreme flavorful foods, like me.

Try their best-seller Seafood Curry in Coconut Shell that costs P280.00 that culminates seafood experience. I loved every bit of it, even though I was worried that it comes with shrimps which could kill me, but thank God, it didn’t include shrimps with it.

Seafood Curry in Coconut Shell

Also, try their huge Barbecue Ribs which is also P280.00 that taste good to the bones. And try their Bangkok Express which costs P180.00, similar to Philippines’ Monggo or Monggos but rich in flavor and my favorite of all. All the foods are well cooked and are good for 2-3 people already, which compensate the price range of P180.00 – P380.00.

Bangkok Express

Barbecue Ribs

Although the place seems to be a perfect place to dine; we had a couple of troubles faced throughout our dining course. First was the dinner reservation that wasn’t in the list. I did a reservation four days before the date and unfortunately we weren’t in it. We had to wait for a couple of minutes for them to get a seat for us. Then when we seated there, we had to call the attention of the waiters to give us the menu who seems to be profoundly deaf at that time, making them hard to call; and isn’t that protocol? Plus the waiting time for our order to arrive reached for about 40 minutes, and that’s really, really long.

To culminate it all up, the place is great, food is great but the service did not compensate for all the good things I experience there, and it’s not just me who’s complaining. I’ve read lots of it on some websites, and I was already this close to losing it.

They have to REALLY fix it, because unlike Bucket Shrimps; I’m planning on going back there for another review maybe sometime in the future.

My Tip? Don’t go there really  hungry.

Check out Sky Lounge by Blue Elephant.

Sky Lounge by Blue Elephant at Apple One

CONTACT

Tel. No. – 262-9088 or 511-7600

Facebook – Sky Lounge by Blue Elephant

RATINGS

Place – 4

Seafood Curry in Coconut Shell – 4

Barbecue Ribs – 4

Bangkok Express – 5

Service – 1

Value for money – 3

OVERALL – 3.5

CEBU JEEPNEY ROUTES | HELPFUL ROUTING SYSTEM

Ever wonder how you could navigate your way through the entire cebu? Here’s a very helpful website to know the routes of such jeepneys you ride on.

Just click on this link to go to the website which can help you map out the routes of jeepneys in Cebu.

62B Route

 

CITY VIEW DELIGHT | MARGARITA FAMILY RESTAURANT | REVIEW [PHOTOS]

–          ★★★★

 

Margarita Family Restaurant

While Lantaw sa Busay gives you the entire Cebu view from afar with amazement; Margarita Family Restaurant gives you the city view.

Located at Robinland Bldg., Tipolo, Mandaue City, across Cebu Doctor’s University; Margarita is one cozy dining experience while enjoying the nearby city view.

 

SETTING

Dining in their spacious balcony is such a cozy spot for lovers. Feel the chill from the city wind OR you could choose the other sea-side view which has the ambiance that of a sea-food restaurant.

You can also have a booze in their bar which you can choose a variety of liquors.

Margarita Family Restaurant

Also, if you’re looking for function halls; Margarita Family Restaurant can give you that. With their spacious function, they can hold parties like Acquaintance Party, Christmas Party or even reception for weddings.

 

FOOD

Have you ever eaten in restaurants like Manila Foodshoppe or Majestic? Well, if you prefer their taste; you may enjoy Margarita’s. The food is delish for an affordable price range of P120.00-P300.00 that is totally worth the money.

 

SCHEDULE:

Lunch: 11:00-2:00

Dinner: 6:00-10:00/12:00MN

 

CONTACT:

(032)505 – 8288

505 – 3688

 

RATINGS:

Ambiance – 5

Food – 4

Service – 4

Value for Money – 4

OVERALL – 4

Margarita Family Restaurant

CAFÉ HOUSE DELIGHT | CAFÉ CAW | CUPCAKE EXPERIENCE [PHOTOS]

 

–          ★★★★½

Korean coffee houses have been a trend nowadays in the Queen City due to its popularity of cute themed setting like Café Noriter that delights customers with delish offers and cozy ambiance.

Maybe it’s the way they offer it in their mainland, Korea, and that’s how we Filipinos wanted to experience that coincides in every angle.

Café Caw branched in two here in Cebu; one at Lahug and one in Banilad; offers a variety of goodies from cappuccino to frap and cakes to cupcakes.

BANILAD BRANCH

Cafe Caw Banilad

Located at Gov. M Cuenco Ave., Banilad, across BRIGHT Academy; the Banilad branch is a small café limited only for small amount of people but still with refreshing and welcoming ambiance good enough for you to chill and have a good time. Decorated with plentiful of cute stuffs; this branch is good for a short stop by chill-out.

Red Velvet at Cafe Caw

LAHUG BRANCH

Cafe Caw in Lahug

At Salinas Dr., Lahug, across J.Y. Square Mall; the Lahug branch is bigger than of the one in Banilad, also having 2 storey; this branch is more cozy and more welcoming. With lots of fancy toys and decors plus cutely painted walls, you can never go wrong in this café.

Cafe Caw in Lahug

Perfect for chill-out and longtime stay; Café Caw at Lahug is one place for you and your friends to catch up with each other or read books or surf the internet as well.

Green Tea Cupcake at Cafe Caw

CONTACT

Facebook Page

RATINGS

Offers – 4.5

Banilad – 4

Lahug – 5

Overall – 4.5

PHOTOS

Cafe Caw in Banilad

Cafe Caw in Banilad

Chocolate Cloud

Cafe Caw

Cafe Caw

Cafe Caw

A TRUE CUPCAKE SHOP | CUPCAKEN | EXPERIENCE [PHOTOS]

Cupcaken

–          ★★★ ½

I’ve always loved the feel of a pastry house or any cupcake store just as long as it’s true to its theme and feels at home while chilling with my partner. It’s always good to discover a downtown treat because it goes to show how plentiful of good stuffs there are in town.

And I consider Cupcaken as one of the best out of them cupcake stores.

Cupcaken has variety of cupcake offers that are presented well in their store and which I appreciated due to its welcoming feel and cozy ambiance that differs to one store I’ve been which felt like canteen-ish rather than a cupcake store (But still have oh-so-delicious cupcakes).

Cupcaken

Their cupcakes are worth the buy too which are winners due to its delish frosting, cute designs and variety of flavors that ranges to P60.00 and above. They also have miniature version of their cupcake offers that is cheaper than the original ones but is only available at 2:00-5:00PM every day.

Cupcaken’s Peanut Butter Cupcake

Cupcaken’s Chocolate Chip Cupcake

Cupcaken has also drink delights that are complimentary to the cupcakes that are offered from juices to coffees.

Although, I wished the store was located somewhere else that feels safer from ill-doers.

Nevertheless, Cupcaken is located at R. Duterte St., Banawa, Cebu City, street-side, which you will truly enjoy with your friends and family plus a parking lot good for 2-3 cars, perfect for a stop-by chill out.

Cupcaken Panorama

SCHEDULE:

2:00-12:00MN

Closed on Sundays

CONTACT:

(032) 479-9466

RATING/VALUE FOR MONEY – 3 ½

MORE PHOTOS!

THE KRUSTY KRABS IN THE QUEEN CITY | THE BURGER JOINT | SNACK | CHILL | EXPERIENCE [PHOTOS]

Burger Joint Cebu

– ★★★★

“Are you ready, kids???”

“AYE! AYE! CAPTAIN!”

That sounds familiar, even to us adults; the indefatigable SpongeBob Squarepants series. Situated in the Pineapple under the sea; SpongeBob is known to human beings as a dumb and funny yet full of heart sea creature who works at the Krusty Krabs where he reigns as the cook, for that one menu eatery; and Plankton’s most desired recipe; the Krusty Krabs burger.

Burger Joint

In the Queen City, The Burger Joint has been a buzz.

Having mouthfuls of burger offers; The Burger Joint, located at Mabolo, Cebu City, just within the vicinity of the parking lot of The Gallery Arcade; The Burger Joint is a chill-out place for people who wants to sit down and chat and treat the tummy at the same time.

With their outdoor seating; nothing could go wrong.

Burger Joint Cebu

Price

Burger Joint Cebu Offers

Having the price range of P115.00 – P199.00 (for the burgers), it is a valuable price for huge and stuffed burger, with sidings like fries or their huge and delicious onion rings plus you get also a drink with it.

It’s worth the affordable price!

Taste

The taste ranges from fair to a delish, yet, you when you get their burgers, you wouldn’t mind about it.

Burger Joint Cebu’s Bacon, Mushroom and Cheese Burger

Burger Joint Cebu’s Garlic Burger

Schedule

The Burger Joint is likely open every day until 11:00PM or 12:00MN.

Contact Number

(032)231-1010

or

visit their Facebook Page

Ratings

Overall – 4/5

Burger Joint Cebu’s Panorama

Burger Joint Cebu’s Burger

CHATIME | TEA HOUSE | EXPERIENCE [PHOTOS]

There’s been a booming popularity of tea houses lately, and it’s a delight for me since I love anything ‘Tea’. You can see sprouting of these stores everywhere nowadays and there’s been a great competition on who’s the superstar of them all.

Modified teas like Milktea is what is on the market as of today! And how experimental human being minds are that almost all fruits now are mixed with tea; it’s a true satisfactory delight.

Chatime

Just like my ever favorite Cobo, Chatime is a new superstar teahouse in Cebu. Located at G/F Stall 207 E-Bloc, Asiatown I.T. Park, Apas, Cebu City; Chatime offers a number of revamped tea experiences.

The place was friendly and cozy, especially on their couches which makes you want to stay for hours. Not to mention, the place was well ventilated, in actuality, it was too cool inside, and they also offer seats outside the tea house.

Chatime Cebu Panorama

The lighting was yellow-ish with a touch of purple; two complimentary colors perfect for visual enchantment.

They also offer bite delights like what I ordered, French fries in cheddar cheese flavor which was a delish! And they are famous for their chocolate mousse.

Chatime bites, french fries in cheddar cheese

What we loved about Chatime was their free charging. Before we got there, My partner and I had dinner at Rodeo Grill which frustrates us since they don’t offer free charging that truly is a bummer! But at Chatime, you can see plugs everywhere! Including for USB type of chargers!

Another thing we loved about Chatime is their modern way of calling customers to fetch their orders. We’ve all heard about Starbucks baristas screaming at the top of their lungs calling the customers, but in Chatime, they’ll give you a circle shaped gadget with instructions “Please pick up your order at the pick-up counter when I light and buzz. Thank You!”, and if your order is ready, the gadget then will perform a synchronized light dance with vibrations telling you to pick up your order. Such impressive!

Chatime Pickup Gadget

Price range of offerings starts P90.00 – P200.00.

SCHEDULE:

Chatime opens 11:00AM and closes at 12:00MN on Sundays-Thursdays and 2:00AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

RATING:

Overall – 9