Ditch the Otap

Thursday, October 14, 2010

IF THERE is one place in the country that I love sneaking off to, it is the Queen City of the South -- Cebu City.

This year, many weekends have brought me sneaking into this city at the heart of the Philippine archipelago, just because there have been many long weekends that I just didn't want to waste.

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One thing I don't like though about Cebu is that it is relatively warmer than the other major cities of the country like Metro Manila or Davao. But then, who's going to complain? With the many spots and places that one can go to at nighttime in Cebu, a warm night is just what you may need.

Known for its otap, I realized that there are so much more gastronomic delights that the city offers. And so I ditched the otap and treated my taste buds to the bisaya-version of gastronomic heaven.

Amid the throngs of young professionals, the Walk at the IT Park of Cebu is a place one should never miss on a trip to this city. While the IT Park may sound a home only for call centers and IT professionals, it is a big gastronomic surprise as it houses three of the must-dine and see places in Cebu.

Let's kick off with dinner at Casa Verde, a place known throughout the country for its melt-in-your-mouth baby back ribs, is something you would want to do the very moment your plane taxis at the Mactan International Airport. (While a lot of development is happening in Cebu, it seems that they have overlooked their airport, which needs a bit of a facelift as the marble edifice is starting to look dull and dreary.)

The mere thought of the baby back ribs at Casa Verde makes me wonder how cholesterol from pork has become bad for my health. Geesh, why are all things delicious bad?

There are a lot of other choices on the menu of Casa Verde, including steak that they know how to grill to perfection while retaining its juices. Its name may seem fit for a vegan restaurant; Casa Verde is actually meat heaven perfect for any carnivore.

Moving along this cholesterol-laden food trip, cocktails at the Mexican inspired Mooon Café‚ is a perfect way to relax and chill after a heavy dinner. It comes as no surprise that Mooon Café‚ is always filled to the brim, as it offers the best mojitos and alcohol-laden punches in Cebu.

And what could be better than cocktails and punch are tapas and the uric acid rich chicharon bulaklak. Mexican fares like nachos and quesadillas are also a must try.

Sweet dreams in Cebu will be unattainable without dropping by La Marea and indulging in its warm chocolate cup made of rich and thick chocolate fudge topped with gelato-like vanilla ice cream. My good friend Harold has even included it in his list of the country's top 5 desserts.

Oh, their cup of hot native chocolate is an experience that will bring nostalgic memories of grandma's house.

And one more thing whenever you visit Cebu City, ditch the otap and scout the North wing of SM City Cebu for the Belgian chocolate lace cookies. It's something your family, friends, and bosses would appreciate more than they would an otap.