Saturday, December 08, 2007 Food tripping By Maria Carmel P. Geverola
IF people travel some 60 kilometers from Cebu City to the northern town of Sogod just to eat at a restaurant there, the food must be that good.
The dishes and delicacies that Jurgen Maennchen and his wife Chuchi Villa serve at Borussia restaurant do not disappoint. They will make you want for more.
This Christmas season is a fine time to visit their place in Barangay Bawo, just after the last bridge in Catmon town. Jurgen, a certified master baker with 14 years of apprenticeship, has whipped up some sweet delights for the holidays.
A specialty is stollen, a sweet yeast bread packed with raisins, currants, citrus and cherries. It is eaten during Christmas time. Cookies such as gingerbread, pfeffernusse (spicy nut) and nurnburger can also be sampled.
Jurgen and Chuchi have been in the restaurant business for 30 years, starting in Germany. Those who have been keeping a close watch on Cebu’s dining scene know Borussia when it first opened in 1997 on B. Rodriguez St. in Cebu City, until it moved to Sogod.
“We decided to come back to Cebu because the cold started to take its toll on our health,” Chuchi shares.
After their fourth move, the couple finally settled in a former coconut plantation near the sea in the northern town.
Diners feel at home in Borussia because they walk inside Jurgen and Chuchi’s house and are made at ease.
Some come as far as Ormoc City. They look forward to savoring Borussia’s bestsellers—beef roll served with red cabbage and mashed potato, goulash, and fricadelli (meat balls).
But lately, Borussia has become popular for its breads and cakes. It offers a wide range—from the pan de sal, French bread to rustica or dark whole grain bread.
Jurgen is especially proud of his apple (streusel) cake. He imports the apples from Italy and he uses apple juice to give his cake moistness, which makes it even more delectable.
For the health conscious, Jurgen has also come up with spelt bread. Spelt is an ancient grain of the wheat family. It is a rich source of vitamin B2 as well as niacin and thiamin. Because of its high-fiber content, it helps lower LDL cholesterol levels.
“Spelt is fast becoming popular in Europe and the US,” says Chuchi.
So far, only Borussia is selling spelt bread (with sunflower seeds or squash seeds) in Cebu. Although they are quite a distance from the city, Chuchi says they deliver freshly baked bread and cakes every Tuesdays and Fridays. Drop-off points can be arranged.
Or, one can always take a trip to Sogod, where good food awaits.
