FOOD & CUISINE to a leaf. The Fish with Sundried Tomatoes was even more mouth-watering. Sole fillet was pan-fried sealing the freshness of the fish inside while the outer layer was ready to be the base of the tomatoes. Sundried tomatoes were sautéed with red onions, garlic and freshly minced herbs together with the ground meat. This mixture was then poured on top of the fried fillet and topped with grated cheese. Before all these satiating dishes were devoured, we had an appetizer of two grilled prawns sliced into half and drizzled with butter. It was another simple way of enjoying fresh prawns without any fuss of additional ingredients.
Sugbahan
Day two of my vacation in the majestic City of Cebu and it was time to taste more of the authentic Cebu dining. Forget going to restaurant malls or fine dining restaurants, the only place I was craving for was the sugbahan that were abundant in almost every street of Cebu. Sugbahan is the place to go where uncooked skewered meats are abundant, from pork barbecue, fresh squid and even the famous Cebu longganisa which are small and plump. There were also several slices of pork liempo, skewered chicken parts of thigh, legs and breast and even hotdog on sticks were all ready for the picking and grilling. I was extremely surprised to find out how reasonable the prices were. One stick of the small round longganisa with six pieces would only be about PHP10 to PHP15, while a large fresh squid with lemongrass inside was about PHP60 to PHP70 depending what stall or vendor you were buying from. Trick here is to bargain a bit, you will definitely get a good deal especially if you befriend the seller moreso when you buy in bulk.
Badgers Sports and Dining Club
After freshening up at the hotel, we headed to the Banilad Town Center. I heard that the area is home to a dining pub. I have never been to one and I’ m curious as to what a pub offers. I am only familiar to the word“ pub” in areas like Great Britain. My idea is that it would be just a drinking establishment. Upon entering the structure, it was definitely a drinking establishment but more. The center of happening is a large circular bar loaded with innumerable brands of liquors and spirits, local and foreign. To my right were two large pool tables where groups of yuppies were enjoying a game. Around were wooden dark-colored tables and chairs and we headed to one. As the night was just starting and we intended to chill at Badgers Sports and Dining Pub for the entire night, we begin with their Cold Cuts and Vegetable Sampler. The platter was overflowing with strips of a variety of cheeses like cheddar and blue cheese, slices of ham, pastrami, green olives, carrots and celery. With or without their mayo dip this will be enjoyed by those who are watching their weight and those that are not. As the cold cuts and vegetable platter was consumed by more than half, we thought of having one of their homemade pizzas. Thin crust, the pizza dough was splattered with tomato sauce and packed with several ingredients of sweetened ham, button mushrooms, black olives, bell pepper and topped with quick melt and parmesan cheese. The hot slices of pizza were simply irresistible. Good thing I was still able to take a picture, as the entire thing did not last for 10 minutes. It seemed we were all famished despite the cold cuts platter that we have been munching, so we decided to try their Poached Tangigue Fish. Paired with steaming white rice, the fish was poached
“ this has become my second home and I will definitely be back to experience more of the island, its warm people & delightful cuisine.”
with onions, bell pepper and tomatoes. The freshness of the fish was savored in every bite and had the right amount of spices to make it an even tastier meal. As the evening winds down, Badgers Sports and Dining Pub is open only until 2am, we had the English Trifle made with mixed fruits, cream, butter and red cherries. The richness of the cream complements the different tastes of the fruit varieties and an ideal ending for such a varied dining experience.
This trip to the magnificent province of Cebu has been truly satisfying. Although a few days were not enough to experience the many wonders of this province, island and city, this has become my second home and I will definitely be back to experience more of the island, its warm people and delightful cuisine. •
Badgers homemade pizza with everything on top; and an English trifle for dessert.
7107 ISLAND TRAVEL 29