A yummy 'evoo-lution'

A NEW dining destination is set to take over the city. Armed with an impressive selection of food and drinks plus its cool relaxing ambiance, Evoo Resto Café is on its way to give a new meaning to what it is like to eat out in Cebu.

The resto café is located along the busy thoroughfare of Gov. M. Cuenco Ave. in Banilad, nestled between well-known restaurants and bars. Despite being new, Evoo is certainly at par with its neighbors.

On its ground floor is a homey dining area painted with the calming colors of green, accented with dark cushioned chairs, making it a perfect space for one to enjoy the café’s delicious meals. Then on the second floor is the bar area—where diners can head to for a taste of Evoo’s own beverage concoctions.

The culinary minds behind Evoo Resto Café are Donna Mantos, Lyndon Gerladizo, and John Flores—the three of them graduates of the Philippine School of Culinary Arts. It comes as no wonder then that the name of their newest venture would be named after a popular culinary term. Foodies would recognize “evoo” as the acronym for extra-virgin olive oil, a favorite ingredient in many dishes.

“We wanted a catchy name that people can remember,” says Donna. “We also want to promote healthy eating so as much as possible, we try to incorporate evoo in all our foods.”

While conceptualizing their food offerings, the three chefs faced themselves with the question, “what are the things we want to eat when we go out?” This resulted with a menu that shows a variety of mixed cuisine; they have Western, Asian, Mediterranean and many more.

“Our menu offers food that is familiar, very popular foods actually, it’s just that we put our own twist,” Donna explains.

Evoo’s bestsellers are the Seafood Arrabiata, Braised Pork Belly with Mango Mustard Sauce, Cream Dory in Lemon Sauce, Prawn Chermoula, and Bulgogi.

Donna had worked at the Korean restaurant in Imperial Palace Resort prior to opening Evoo, thus her expertise in Korean cuisine. She adds, “I want to add a special Korean menu soon.”

As for their drinks, Evoo’s specialties are Strawberry and Mango Mojitos, and Strawberry Milkshake for the non-alcoholic kinds.

“We’re very hands on,” says Donna. “We’re here everyday, so if the customer has special requests for the food, like if they’re vegetarian, we can arrange that.”

Evoo Resto Café is open from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight. Donna shares that they also accept private functions for their second floor bar area.

An important ingredient for any kind of venture is passion, which in Evoo there happens to be a lot of—“It’s really our passion to cook,” states Donna. With that in mind, then food lovers have to brace themselves for an “evoo-lution”.