USING the produce of the organic farmers, local artisans and Negrense culinary heritage, LANAI by Fresh Start, a unique al fresco dining setup, opened on December 8.
Siutated beside May's Organic Garden at the back of Fresh Start Organic Natural Store and Cafe located along corner Araneta Highway, Bangga Sitio Aning at Barangay Pahanocoy in Bacolod City, it is a casual dining farm to table restaurant with an all-natural menu "made from scratch."
It also highlights local "ark of taste" ingredients— endangered, local heritage food, unique in taste, and are a part of a distinct eco-region.
Asia’s best female chef Margarita Araneta Forés and Department of Tourism Director for Region VI Christine Mansinares graced the opening of the LANAI owned by Ramon “Chinchin” Uy, Jr.
The array of Lanai menu is curated by Chef Patrick Go, a notable chef in the Manila food scene who has Negrense roots.
LANAI highlight to look out for is its foraged drinks and cocktails made from local spirits, liquors, and ingredients from Negros, created by its partner, Chef Kalel Demetrio - a liquid chef advocating farm-to-glass principle.
Desserts, on the other hand, are prepared by Chef Gab Melocoton of the Slow Food Youth Network.
“We take pride in serving our customers only with the highest quality of organic and natural ingredients, with no shortcuts, no MSG (monosodium glutamate), and no artificial coloring or flavoring," Uy stressed, adding that the dishes contain plant-based ingredients.
"The cold-pressed juices are made purely of organic fruits and vegetables, and are sweetened by natural and wholesome sweeteners (while the) dressings are made entirely from scratch,” he said.
Even the cheese used is hundred percent made in Negros and the meat is meat is free from growth hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
Fresh Start is one of the pioneer organic farm, stores, cafes, and restaurants based in Negros Occidental which started in 2005.
Its owner Uy is a staunch supporter of both the organic and the slow food movements, and an advocate for a healthy lifestyle and use of organic, natural and local ingredients.