Saturday, April 21, 2007 Temptations By Jigs Arquiza
“IT'S like a playground in here!” says Andy Ramani, owner and proprietor of Temptations Café, describing a typical day at his restaurant. “In the morning, parents of the kids studying at the school nearby come in to have breakfast.
In the afternoon, the kids come in here, playing, running in and out, and buying ice cream or other snacks. Their parents or guardians often come with them to have something to eat too.” He explains. Andy adds: “We also serve the guests staying at the hotel located at the back.”
Not to be confused with another establishment with a similar-sounding name, Temptations Café sits along Juana Osmena Street, just a few meters down from Gen. Maxilom Avenue. Simple and unpretentious, the restaurant presents a wholesome, cheery face to its customers, especially with the presence of Andy and his wife, the always-smiling Heena, behind the counter.
They both relate, “We try to encourage a family-oriented environment here at the restaurant, that’s why we don’t mind the kids playing in here.”
While the establishment is simply decorated, their food is anything but.
Though they also serve food that’s more-or-less available at other eating-places, Temptations Café prides itself mostly on being the only restaurant in Cebu City that serves authentic Indian food. Andy’s and Heena’s roots allow them to substantiate this claim, and stepping into the café gives you a whiff of the robust spices that are characteristic of Indian cuisine.
Meat lovers and vegans would be at home at Temptations Café, as it serves both meat and vegetarian dishes. Gourmands, adventurous eaters and lovers of spicy foods would also most probably be delighted with their menu. Indian dishes such as Tandoori Chicken and fried or toasted Papad, a snack similar to corn chips, are usually available at any time, however, Andy advises those wishing to try out Indian cuisine to contact the café at 255-2868 a day ahead so he and Heena can prepare the dishes properly. “Some ingredients such as the meat need to be seasoned and marinated.” he explains, “and you have to let us know if you want it mild or spicy!”
Those looking for a light snack can order Samosa, similar to our empanada, with either the meat or vegetarian filling. Bread lovers have a choice of Naan Roti, Chappati or Paratha, traditional flat breads that resemble the popular pita bread. Vegans can order Korma, or mixed vegetable curry, or Daal, lentil soup. Diners who love goat will find something familiar in Temptations Café’s Mutton Masala, which greatly resembles the caldereta, or stewed goat, both in appearance and taste.
Rice also plays a major role in Indian cuisine, as evidenced by many dishes that have rice as the main ingredient. Among the rice dishes that Temptations Café serves are the different kinds of Pulao and Biryani, either chicken, mutton, fish or, surprisingly, beef, mixed with Basmati rice, which grows only in the Kashmir region of India.
Cebu, melting pot that it is, has seen the emergence of many a restaurant that offers a particular cuisine. With the entry of Temptations Café and their tantalizing food, Cebuanos can finally enjoy the exotic tastes of an exotic land.
