The Food Issue

directory CEBU’S #1 CITY GUIDE Vol. 4 No. 4 May 2013

The

Food Issue INSIDE RESTAURANT ROUNDUP Gusto, Moda Souvlaki Phat Pho DESSERT Milk Tea, Macarons Leanza’s Cakes

PizzaPerfect With the steady expansion of local

favorite Michelangelo’s, Massimo La Magna brings an authentic taste of

Italy to Cebu, one pizza at a time.

MICHELANGELO’S

EDITOR’S NOTE The Food Appreciation Issue It’s no surprise that eating is one of life’s simple joys.

There is something so completely satisfying about biting into something and realizing there’s a spectacular party of flavors happening right then in your mouth (sounds weirder than I thought, but you get my point).

Fortunately for us—and unfortunately for our diets—Cebu is constantly seeing an influx of both big restaurant names and charming little hole-in-the-walls that will make any foodie jump for joy. One of my personal favorite little places is Michelangelo’s, as proven by our office’s constant delivery orders for their truffle pasta.

Massimo La Magna talks about their genuinely Italian offerings in our cover story.

Personally, I think food is the best way to really immerse into a certain culture, and some of the city’s new restaurants are giving diners a chance to jet off without actually jetting off. Go gourmet with Gusto’s Italian fare, visit Phat Pho for the flavorful Vietnamese soup staple, or chill out at Moda Souvlaki with a deliciously hearty spiced lamo gyro. Of course, don’t forget to finish off with dessert—that’s the best part.

Happy eating!

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SHARI QUIMBO Editor

directory

Vol.4 No.4 May 2013

Publisher Jacinto E. Ramos Managing Editor Shari Quimbo Creative Director David Jones Cua Layout Artist Edwin Javier Jr. Photographer Adrian Yu, Christine Cueto Advertising Amy Undaloc, Lorlaine Yutico Paula Giron ZEE Publications Inc., G/F PDI Bldg. Gov. Cuenco Avenue Cor. J.Panis St., Banilad, Cebu City, Philippines Tel. No. 6332. 234 2636, 415 8597 www.zeelifestylecebu.com © All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

ON THE COVER Massimo La Magna COVER STORY Sittings Editor David Jones Cua Photography Dan Douglas Ong Maquillage Romero Vergara

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“Different parts of Italy have different kinds of dishes,” Massimo La Magna explains, before going on to share that growing up in Sicily had given him, obviously, decidedly Sicilian traits— something that he’s not going to apologize for.

“What I serve in Michelangelo’s is authentic Italian food, it’s not adjusted to the Filipino tastes.”

That may be so, but that doesn’t mean Cebuanos haven’t been flocking to the Paseo Saturnino branch, a charming hole-in-the-wall kind of place where the brick walls and soft lighting provide an inviting setting to enjoy the pizzas and pastas. Created three years ago with the help of Michel Lhuillier as a sponsor for entering the food business, Michelangelo’s has been consistently serving up classical Italian fare and is now on the verge of further expanding.

The brand recently opened its second outlet in February at Escario Central, with

interiors that give the Italian aesthetic a more modern twist. With the help of interior designer Rachelle Luym, the branch has white walls and accents in the form of wooden-framed oversized mirrors and colorful commissioned paintings from Budoy—a detail carried over from the first restaurant.

“We wanted to create a look that is simple and that we can carry over when we open other locations. It’s a modern and clean design, which lets the food become the highlight,” explains Rachel, although she points out some elements that are still distinctly Italian.

“We asked the artist to create something that still represents the culture, like the Statue of David, but asked him to make it more modern with bright colors and other details.”

But, as Rachel pointed out, the spotlight remains on the food, and diners

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are welcome to observe the process through the open kitchen. Whether it’s the Robertino pizza with its prosciutto, arugula and eggs or the traditional carbonara—served without the cream sauce—each dish emerges from the kitchen with high quality ingredients.

Diners can choose to enjoy their meal with the restaurant’s selection of wine, such as the Michel Lhuillier Merlot Cabarnet and Chardonnay, or the Michel’s Cabernet Sauvignon, all at PHP 500 a bottle.

Of course, adhering to excellent service standards is something Massimo has had a lot of experience with. “In Italy, my family had quite a few hotels and I was able to help out in the different departments,” he recalls, although it’s clear where his passion really lay. With no formal culinary education, he worked in the kitchens and learned from his family, which has resulted in the sumptuously traditional dishes on Michelangelo’s menu today. “We serve the food here the way we would serve it in Italy.”

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Pizzeria Michelangelo Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Road Banilad, Cebu City Escario Central, Escario Street, Cebu City 6332. 236 4297, 236 4301 Pizzeria Michelangelo

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FOOD CULTURE The city’s new restaurants take diners on a quick tour through various international flavors, with tasty dishes that’ll satisfy any gastronomic craving. photography Homer Medici (Medici Images) and Adrian Yu

GUSTO Even from the road, Gusto catches the eye with its tall glass wall panes that contour to the building’s ground floor like a cylinder, revealing the Missoni-print upholstered Vito Selma furniture inside. The set-up may seem intimidating to those who frequent what’s now known as call center country, but many would be surprised to find out Gusto serves up healthy Italian food choices using the freshest ingredients, at prices that could make it a daily treat. The gourmet sandwiches, salad and pasta dishes make for snappy takeaway when packed in their bright orange boxes—although diners should make sure to try the pizza. “I wanted to stand up to the classic pizza,” says Marco Anzani, who owns Gusto with wife Kate Dychangco-Anzani and flew in a mobile wood and electric oven to create the perfectly thin and crispy crusts.

GF Calyx Centre, Cebu IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City

PHAT PHO The newest brand from the Abaca Group, Phat Pho has quickly become a dinner favorite for their offering of authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a simple, industrial-style setting. Its sturdy metal stools and high tables are matched with a black and white checkered tile, a graphic addition to the place. According to owner Jason Hyatt, Phat Pho was created as an alternative to fastfood establishments, saying that a bowl of pho can be served as quickly as 30 seconds after you order. Fast doesn’t mean there’s skimping on quality though—from the goi cuon (salad rolls) and satay to, of course, the pho, only the best ingredients make their way onto the plate. And with Vietnamese chef Hoang Lee in the kitchen, it clearly doesn’t get more authentic than this.

Crossroads Mall, Banilad, Cebu City 032 416 2442

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MODA SOUVLAKI Sometimes the joy in discovering a new restaurant doesn’t just come from enjoying the sumptuous cuisine; other times, the act of discovering a gastronomic gem somewhere unexpected makes the experience even more enjoyable. Such is the case with Moda Souvlaki, which sits unassumingly in a small complex in Mabolo. Its spartan interiors let the menu take center stage, its dishes introducing traditional Greek dishes in hearty servings and at reasonable prices. Try out the spiced lamb gyro, or the moussaka, but make sure to try them out with the hummus, baba ganoush or the variety of other sauces that the owners make themselves. By night, Moda Souvlaki becomes a favorite eatery cum watering hole for those looking for a chill-out nightspot. If you really want the whole Greek experience, follow up the meal with a glass of Grappa—Opa! F. Cabahug Street, Kasambagan, Mabolo City 032 266 7877

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THE DESSERT-ERS When in search of a sweet escape, take things a little more literally and indulge in these sugary treats. photography Dan Douglas Ong and JJ Tan

MILK TEA TIME The craze for these iced beverages show no signs of stopping, with these three major brands opening in Cebu to offer an alternative caffeine fix.

Serenitea Okinawa Milk Tea, PHP 95 GF Calyx Centre, Cebu IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City

Chatime Pearl Milk Tea, PHP 90 GF E-Bloc, Cebu IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City

MACARON MADNESS The French definitely do sweets right, with these sumptuous little pieces infused with richly decadent flavor.

La Vie Parisienne FROM LEFT Vanilla, Mandarin Orange, Raspberry and Lemon PHP 40 each, La Maison Rose, Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City Shotglasses, PHP 72.50 each from Rustan’s

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Moonleaf Wintermelon Milk Tea, PHP 75 Across San Carlos University-TC, Talamban and in GF Elipe B-House, Pelaez Extension, Cebu City

Blueberry Cheesecake

Sans Rival

LOVING LEANZA Nothing brings a smile quite like an indulgent slice of cheesecake, such as Leanza Teves’ sweet creations that don’t skimp on quality and flavor— whether it’s her sweet and tangy blueberry-mango cheesecakes, the rich sans rival or the apple crumble’s hints of cinnamon in the crust.

63. 917 325 3269 leanzateves88@gmail.com

Mango Cheesecake

The Chillage

Apple Crumble

thechillage

thechillagestore • 032 238.5325, +6999.883.0366 • thechillagestore@gmail.com

THE SCENE

LIFEDANCE PRICE OFF PARTY The Cebuano spectacular LifeDance kicks off the summer with a price off party at IT Park shelling out tickets at 70% for local patrons.

LifeDance, which will be held at the Cebu Boardwalk at the North Reclamation area on May 25, 2013, will feature international DJs Felix Zaltaio, The Disco Fries, Angger Dimas, as well as local favorites from Cebu’s party scene.

ce with LifeDan nosa Bobby Yan pi Es s ce an Fr r co-produce

DJ Andre

Blanco

DJ Gino Visitacion spins-off the price off party

Price Off Party host Patrick Rizarri

Blake Go, G

ahum Garcia

and LifeDance

Stealth marke te

rs Hazel Minoza, Jett Pe, Yves Camingue, Norman Ymbong of Istorya.net with the LifeDance team

Be part of the in crowd.

Insider Bar A.S. Fortuna Street, Banilad, Cebu City (032) 238 5915 insiderbar2013@yahoo.com

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May 3 SM Cartoon Fest: The Lorax Catch the lovable Dr. Seuss character at the Event Centre. Get a VIP pass with the purchase of The Lorax CD at Astroplus.

Event Centre, SM City Cebu 4:00 PM May 4 and 5 RED This John Logan play follows the abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko, who was commissioned to paint several murals for the Seagram Building on Park Avenue for a large sum, decided to keep them and returns the payment, donates the paintings to the Tate Gallery, and commits suicide. Tickets available at PHP 500 for reserved seats, PHP 300 for free seating and PHP 200 for students.

CAP Art Center May 4 at 4:00 PM, May 5 at 1:00 PM For more information, visit Little Boy Productions on Facebook.

May 12 I-Shine Talent Camp Free Star Magic workshops on singing, acting and dancing with a minimum purchase of P250 worth of Promil Pre-School products, with the special participation from ABS-CBN stars.

Activity Center, Ayala Center Cebu 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM For more information, visit Promil Preschool on Facebook.

May 12 Because You’re Worth It Make mom feel like royalty as you bring her to Café Marco on Mother’s Day. Dine on lobsters, oysters, US Prime Rib and the many other offerings at Miele Guide’s 5th best restaurant in the Philippines.

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu For reservations, call (032) 253 1111.

May 12 Mother’s Day Lunch or Dinner Express your gratitude and treat your biggest fan in the world to a grand feast with a special set menu at PHP 1,800 net for five people.

Best Western Lex Plus Cebu For more information, contact 032 416 5511

May 25 Project Happy Feet Slipper Race A non-competitive walk in slippers, the race was created to raise funds for Bantay Bata 163’s Bantay Edukasyon Project, which will support education for underprivileged school children in Cebu. Registration fee of PHP 5,000 for a group of five members.

Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan 3:00 PM To pre-register, email prmc.mactan@crimsonhotel. com or mactan.prassistant@crimsonhotel.com with subject title “I Want To Go The Distance.”

May 25 Lifedance: Wicked Summer The circus of life continues, with international acts Felix Zaltaio and Lindh Van Berg, The Disco Fries, and Angger Dimas, along with the country’s hottest DJs that will keep the crowd dancing from dusk til dawn.

Cebu Boardwalk, North Reclamation Area For tickets, call (032) 516 2379 or 0906 472 1538.

SOCIAL CALENDAR MAY 2013

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THE THE

DIRECTORY

Panglao Regents in Bohol

The Mactan Newtown: Megaworld Corporation’s vibrant new master-planned township spanning 16 hectares in Cebu’s breathtaking island of Mactan.

GALLERY

RESORTS & HOTELS ABACA BOUTIQUE RESORT Punta Engaño Road, Mactan Island Tel No: 6332. 495 3461, 236 0311 email: reservations@abaca.com www.abacaresort.com Alegre Beach Resort Calumboyan, Sogod, Cebu Tel. No. 6332. 254 9800, 254 9811 254 9822 Fax no. 6332. 254 9833 www.alegrebeachresort.com CEBU CITY MARRIOTT HOTEL Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cebu Business Park, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 411 5800 Fax No. 6332. 411 5801 www.marriottcebu.com CEBU PARKLANE International HOTEL Cebu Office: Cor. Arch. Reyes Ave. and Escario St., Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 411 7000 www.parklanehotel.com.ph HOTEL ELIZABETH Archbishop Reyes Ave., Camputhaw Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 231 8000 www.hotelelizabeth.com.ph MARIBAGO BLUEWATER BEACH RESORT Buyong Maribago, Mactan, Cebu Tel. No. 6332. 232 5411 www.bluewater.com.ph MARCO POLO PLAZA Nivel Hills, Apas, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 253 1111 Fax No. 6332. 253 8910 www.marcopolohotels.com PLANTATION BAY RESORT & SPA Marigondon, Mactan, Cebu Tel. No. 6332. 505 9800 Fax No. 6332. 236 4821 www.plantationbay.com RADISSON BLU HOTEL CEBU Sergio Osmeña Blvd. cor. Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 402 9900 Fax No. 6332. 402 9999 www.radissonblu.com/hotel-cebu

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BOUTIQUE

SHANGRI-LA MACTAN RESORT & SPA Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City Tel. No. 6332. 231 0288 Fax. No. 6332. 231 1688 www.shangri-la.com THE HENRY HOTEL 1 Paseo Saturnino, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 520 7516 www.thehouseofcebu.com THE MACTAN NEWTOWN Mactan Circumferential Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan, Cebu Tel. No. 6332. 232 2020 themactannewtown@megaworldcorp.com www.themactannewtown.com.ph WATERFRONT CEBU CITY HOTEL & CASINO 1 Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 232 6888 Fax No. 6332. 232 6989 www.waterfronthotels.net

BOHOL Panglao Regents Park Alona, Tawala, Bohol www.panglaoregentspark.com 6338. 502 4080/4081 63. 926 317 8333/939 429 0668 The Peacock Garden Luxury Boutique Resort Upper Laya, Baclayon, Bohol 6338.539 9231, 63. 917 326 9000 www.thepeacockgarden.com The Bellevue Resort Barangay Doljo, Panglao Island, Bohol 6338.422 2222/6302. 771 8181 www.thebellevue.com

856 G Gallery Business Walls, 856 A.S. Fortuna St. Banilad, Mandaue City www.856ggallery.com Tel. No. 6332. 344 3039

SPAS & SALONS JESSIE GLOVA STYLE SALON 2/F Pacific Square, F. Cabahug Street, Mabolo, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 236 1808 Monday to Saturday:10:00am - 8:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am - 7:00pm

VIRUS BOUTIQUE A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City Tel. No. 6332. 239 7461 Banilad, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 520 6330 Mobile. No. 63. 917 633 6733

FASHION DESIGNERS DEXTER ALAZAS No.7 Villalon Drive, East Capitol Site Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 583 6105 Mobile No. 63. 923 887 8861 921 520 9695 By appointment

THE SPA AT CEBU #1 Paseo Saturnino, Ma. Luisa Road, Banilad, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 412 0888, 416 3888 10:00am – 12:00mn daily

LOHAS SKIN CLINIC Paseo Saturnino, Ma. Luisa Road, Banilad, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 416 1171 Mobile. No. 63. 933 363 2550 www.lohassc.com

Bluewater Panglao Resort and Spa Danao, Panglao Island, Bohol 6338.416 0695/416 0696 www.bluewater.com.ph

EXCELLENT LOCATION For Rent or Sale 44 sqm. apartment at Ethos Bloc in A.S. Fortuna Street 1 bedroom loft - fully furnished and brand new Php 25,000.00/month

BELO MEDICAL GROUP Level 1, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu Tel. No. 6332. 234 2356 Mobile. No. 63. 917 552 6986 www.belomed.com

Please call Lor at (032) 415-8597 to arrange viewing

CLUBS, VENUES & RESTAURANTS SumoSam

Darras+Bowler

La Maison Rose

Linea Restaurant & Lounge

Nonki

Maya

Ginza

Darras+Bowler Unit 1&2 Crossroads Mall, Banilad Cebu City www.dplusbwines.com Tel No. 6332. 233 0832 Go for: varied wine selection Price Range: PP La Maison Rose 371 Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 268 5411 Cuisine: French Specialty: beef bourguignon, French lechon Price Range: PPP SUMOSAM Lvl 1, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park Tel. No. 6332. 401 0643 Mobile No. 63. 917 795 7562 Cuisine: Japanese Opens from 11:00am - 11:00pm daily

A Cafe

Abaca

Maya Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City www.theabacagroup.com Tel. No. 6332. 238 9552, 238 9618 Cuisine: Mexican Specialty: pescado vera cruz, enchiladas de queso y pollo Price Range: PPP

Abaca Punta Engaño Road, Mactan, Cebu www.theabacagroup.com Tel. No. 6332 495 3461, 236 0311 Cuisine: Mediterranean Specialty: braised lamb shank, sea bass fillet, six-hour pork belly, chicken tagine Price Range:PPP

Ginza J. Panis St., Banilad, Cebu City www.ginzarestaurant.ph Tel. No. 6332 232 5406 Cuisine: Japanese Specialty: fish head, beef, fried rice Price Range: PPP

Linea Restaurant & Lounge E-Bloc, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City www.linearestobar.com Tel. No. 6332. 520 2299, Mobile. No. 63. 932 271 9926 Cuisine: international Specialty: pasta, pizza, salmon, grilled tilapia with curry Price Range: PP

Nonki A.S. Fortuna St., Banilad, Mandaue City Tel. No. 6332. 422 3159 Cuisine: Japanese Specialty: sushi and sashimi, tempura, ramen noodles Price Range: PPP

Laguna Garden Cafe

A Café Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City www.theabacagroup.com Tel. No. 6332, 505 5692 Cuisine: modern American food Specialty: burgers, sandwiches, salads, steaks Price Range: PPP Pizzeria Michelangelo

Laguna Garden Café/ Café Laguna Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park www.cafelaguna.com Tel. No. 6332. 231 0922, Mobile. No. 63. 922 233 8602 Cuisine: Filipino Specialty: kare-kare, lengua, paella, beefsteak Price Range: PP Café Georg G/F MLD Bldg., Banilad, Cebu City www.cafegeorg.com Tel. No. 6332. 234 0887 Cuisine: Asian, Mandarin and Filipino Specialty: fresh tomato and basil pasta, Singapore-styled fish Price Range: PP Pizzeria Michelangelo Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Rd. Banilad, Cebu City Tel. No. 6332. 236 4297 Hola España, Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City Tel. No. 6332. 340 5119 Cuisine: Italian Specialty: Biancanavy pizza Price Range: PP

PRICE RANGES: PPP = PHP 500+ per person. PP = PHP 500 or less per person. P = PHP 150 and below per person. Prices not including drinks.

INSIDE

CEBU

The latest coffee table book from Zee Publications Inc., features 27 stylish homes in Cebu.

Available in Fully Booked, Power Books and National Book Stores.

Or you can order via www.zeelifestylecebu.com

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