Tuesday, September 16, 2008

My Cebu : Eating & Dining Out




Ah, years ago when I was 8 or so, I remembered that eating out was truly a treat not just because we were kids that time but even for my parents. I remembered going to the same Chinese resto year-on-year. In fact, my dad, used to come home during lunchtime to eat and have siesta. Even my mom (who worked full time too) would come home for lunch and she would tell us stories before we have our afternoon nap. Life was simplier then, not sure how many parents now get to come home for lunch and see their kids.
Now, if you visit Cebu, with the advent of malls, a lot of families, groups and two-somes now meet up in a resto not just to eat but really to socialize. You know, the Cebuanos are the hardest market to crack in the Phils. We believe in quality products and services but we want the best bargain/price for it. Sorry, a P60 shake won't really sell in Cebu years ago. A P100 meal is too expensive, what with Larsian BBQ place at Fuente O and ngohiong at P10/pc and hanging rice, "puso" -- one can eat at P50 w/ drinks! When SM City opened, Wendy's was one of the fastfood chains that opened but had to close down because the offering wasn't as competitive. Racks even closed down -- with ribs that expensive, nobody would buy it in Cebu. That's how picky we are.

I think, with more non-Cebuanos in Cebu, the resto and fastfood business are making money. With the advent as well of the call centers (the major ones have operations in Cebu), eating and dining out is really "IN". So, if your non Cebuano, check out places like Chika-an, Golden Cowrie, CNT Lechon place (we have the best lechon in the Phils), or check out SU-TU-KIL restos that abound in the metro that specialize in "sugba" - grilled/bbq, "tula" - fish clear broth soup, "kilaw" - raw food usually fish our version of sashimi.

For more modern, metro eating places, visit the BTC area, the IT Park (near Waterfront Lahug) has buildings with eating places at the 1st floor and the newly revived "THE Walk" -- the "in place" right now. Check out my pics with HS friends in our latest meet up at THE Walk 2 wks ago.

So when you're in Cebu, remember, its where you can eat great food at great affordable prices!


Mrs Jane B




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