Practical dating spots

Well, why not a “practical” title for the story as well? This story is as simple as it gets—a quick and random enumeration of hangouts around town that’s easy-going, yet still brilliant in their own creative ways.

Here are some “date spot suggestions” for Valentine’s Day in no particular order (unless you know the alphabet).

Café Caw. It’s cozy, cute and serves really good food. Located along M. Cuenco Ave. in Banilad (right across Bright Academy), Café Caw is perfect for intimate dates, paired with delicious chow. They have appetizers, pastas, rice meals and their specialty: dessert! Their new cupcake flavor, peanut butter and brownie, is simply a must try.

Café Elysa. This simple food spot in the corner of an old street is very well brimming with taste—from artworks on the wall, to tongue-teasing dishes. Café Elysa, which is located right along JC Zamora Street, Pari-an, Cebu City, should just have enough firepower to attract couples for a romantic date.

Chillage. Located at the ground floor of Adnama Bldg., along the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City, Chillage is ready to accept couple of both the chic and chill kind. Almost half of the place is devoted to showcasing original Cebuano-crafted souvenir items. Then what’s left of the area is dedicated for a little café, which serves pastas, sandwiches and shakes; and a “fun room,” where sorts of board games and toys are available for visitors to play with.

CMYK Dessert House. You can’t go wrong with a place that has the word “love” spelled out in the middle. CMYK Dessert House is a fairly new dining destination in the city, and since its opening last November, it has gathered dessert lovers through its selection of unique treats like the mug cake and sizzling brownie ala mode. Ladies, the girly ones at least, would love the feminine touch in the interiors, as the walls and furnishing are painted in sweet pastel colors. What’s more, CMYK actually stands for “chocolates make you kiss.” Hmm, sounds enticing?

Dolce Grill. Perhaps one of the most romantic ideas is to take along your lovey-dovey somewhere uphill to behold a panoramic sight. Needless to pack up goodies, there is a place just right for such a dreamy date trip. More than a chance to a city overlooking experience, Dolce Grill also has an array of delicious fares to boost up charm in the air.

Lantaw Native Restaurant. Chances are you’ve caught wind of this floating native restaurant in Cordova, Mactan. Just recently, the establishment revealed its latest branch. Lantaw Native Restaurant in Busay is just kilometers away from the city. The hook? Besides the tasty native treats, the place offers a 180 degree view of Cebu City. Totally a perfect view, especially during night time.

Macaron Tango Café. A date during the famed sweetest time of the year deserves no less sweet treat. If chocolate seems too mainstream, then a macaron should fairly make a delectable difference. The cream-filled cookie comes in a range of flavors, though it is the strawberry that is perfect to complement the occasion. Macaron Tango Café will surely not miss any mark of sweet cravings.

Simply J’s. Not your regular café. The place started years back, renting space from a home décor shop. Now Simply J’s Café and Restaurant, located along Apitong St. cor. N. Escario, Cebu City, is adored by patrons for their tasty dishes and homey ambience.

The place may get more female fans for how the interior is designed, but the baby back ribs on the menu will surely convince any guy to stay anyway.

Sunday 2PM Café. This is first and foremost a book café, which serves only coffee, juice and toast. Going to Sunday 2PM Café is like stepping into a young girl’s study—books, magazines, pink post-its and trinkets abound! Couples will hardly run out of things to do inside this café. There are toys that are available for visitors to use, plus a Polaroid camera to capture those sweet, memorable moments.

Tymad Bistro. A trip to the city of love would be great! But not everyone can do than in just a snap of the finger. The closest thing to reality is to find a place where you don’t literally need to speak French on a Valentine’s Day to get the feel of the day. Tymad Bistro will not only seem to transport you to Paris but also offers a medley of mushy indulgence.