Monday, October 1, 2012

Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant

Good food, happy tummy!
 
Facebook never fails to provide updates about almost everything. Apparently, it was through Facebook that I first learned about Lantaw Native Floating Restaurant. People started posting pictures of the place and of course, the food! I was ecstatic! The big question I had in mind by that time was, where the hell is that place at??

The restaurant is located in Day-as, Cordova, Cebu City. My friends and I went there past lunch, and unbelievably, the place was highly packed. There was a long line of customers waiting to be seated. Well, part of what I heard was true. In contrary to what I also heard, customer service was great. Despite the long wait, waiters and waitresses were very accommodating and courteous.
 
Entrance
 
Great view!

 
The ambiance was exemplary due to its captivating scenery. It was a great getaway from the crowded city. I suggest you dine late afternoon to catch the sunset, or in the evening to get a spectacular view of the city lights. The cold sea breeze will also make your dining experience more fascinating. The interior was impressive too!
 
Scenery

Lounge chairs
 

The food was good and absolutely affordable. We ordered Grilled Panga, Buttered Garlic Shrimps, Sizzling Gambas, Spicy Scallops, and Baked Scallops. Their servings were generous enough to satisfy our big appetites, and we even barely finished our platter of garlic rice. The Cordova Cooler (orange juice) was also very refreshing. The price ranges from php 150 and up per dish.
 
Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant will definitely be a great addition to the ‘native’ category of restaurants, which serves delicious food and provides excellent customer service.
 
Menu
 
Grilled Panga
 
Buttered Garlic Shrimps
 
Sizzling Gambas
 
Spicy Scallops
 
Baked Scallops
 
Cordova Cooler
 
It was an ordeal finding the place, long trip and the heat, but it was all worth it! Looking forward to try other dishes and I just can't wait to be back :)
 
 
Hours
Mon-Thurs: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fri-Sat: 10:00 am - 11:45 pm
Sun: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Contact Info
(032) 514 2959
 
Website

Monday, September 24, 2012

Cupcake Heaven

Binging on cupcakes has recently become a favorite treat, an addiction, a sweet indulgence. Apart from its delectable taste, they are served with such cute designs and appetizing toppings and frostings. The thought of having to eat one always brings a smile to my face. They're simply irresistable! I am not so fond of sweets but cupcakes are an exception. Munching on these mouth watering and delicious looking dessert is one of my favorite past times. In addition, when under a great deal of stress or when I'm super tired from work, my cravings come in. It helps me recover from stressful situations easily, my life-saver. Red velvet is my favorite ever among all other flavors! Its brilliant red color is endearingly striking, topped with superb frosting. I just can't get enough! Yet, hunting for more 'cupcake-ccentric' flavors still continues. Who knows, I might find a new favorite?
 
Take a glimpse of some flavors that I've tasted from different cupcake/pastry shops:
 
Cupcaken
Located at R. Duterte St., beside Nuat Thai in Banawa, Cebu City, Philippines


Black Forest, Cookies and Cream, Red Velvet, and Carrot
 
Hazelnut, Chocolate-dipped, and Red Velvet
 
Red Velvet and Peanut Butter
 
Birthday, Very Berry, Mango Float, and Red Velvet
 
Tea Religion
Located at Crown 7 Bldg., Juan Luna Avenue, Mabolo, Cebu City, Philippines
 
They offer wide range of tea. Traditional hot tea, refreshing tea juices, milk tea and specialty drinks. They also serve cupcakes from Cupcaken.
 
 Red Velvet and Peanut Butter
 
Cupcake Society
Conveniently located within the hotel lobby of Fuente Oro Business Suites, Cebu City Philippines
 
Chocolate and Red Velvet
 
Sweet Little Things
Located at J Block, Apitong St. Cor. Escario (beside taiwan shabu-shabu) and SM Northwing, Cebu, Philippines
 
Dark Chocolate Mudpie, Lemon Poppyseed, Triple Chocolate, Red Velvet, Banana,
and Cookies and Cream
 
Cafe Caw
Located across Bright Academy in Banilad, Cebu City, Philippines
 
A new little coffee/cupcake shop

Goodies

I love the concept of the interiors - classroom/playroom with colorful tables and chairs 

Vanilla and Red Velvet 
 
Phoebe's Cupcakery
Located at Paseo Saturnino Maria Luisa Road Banilad, Cebu City, Philippines
 
Sweet facade 

Enticing display of cupcakes!
 
The space is small yet the place is cozy, prim, and so feminine 

 Meet Scarlette and Violet. Cute names :)
 
They look undeniably tempting and adorable. Get a bite and you'll definitely agree with me when i say that cupcakes are indeed heaven sent!


Monday, September 17, 2012

Duma Trip!

 
We went to Dumaguete last August with friends to celebrate Silliman University's Founders Day. It was an unplanned trip. We got there by taking a bus from the Cebu City South Bus Terminal to Liloan Port which took almost 4 hours and another 25 minute boat trip from the port to Dumaguete.
 
 
The Port
 
 Day 1. We arrived roughly around 10 in the morning and was clueless where to head first since the said event will still start in the evening. So, we flagged down a tricycle and asked the driver to bring us to the nearest and cheapest hotel from the university. Unfortunately, most of the hotels were fully booked. We finally let go of the triycle driver and  decided to walk down the streets but had no luck finding one. Had breakfast somewhere, chilled at a nearby coffee shop and ordered super cheap cupcakes. Past lunchtime, luckily found a vacant family room in a decent and affordable hotel. We were all dying to take a shower and get some rest!
 
 
 
 
 
 
SU red velvet and chocolate cupcakes
 
 
Cupcakes for only php 35 each! :)
 
In the afternoon, we dropped by Robinson's Place to visit a friend's friend who works in a Batchoy shop. Since we were there, had a taste of their beef batchoy paired with puto. It was superb. Then after, we strolled by the boulevard. It is marked as one of the historical sites found in the city. The boulevard stretch was immediately visible from afar. Tables and chairs were lining up the stretch and vendors selling balot and tempura. We ate some, the vinegar was extraordinary! haha! Also, it could've been perfect if we experienced the sunset but got there almost dark already. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our quick stroll by the place and the ocean breeze. Next, we dropped by a bar and chitchat over a few bottles of beer. It was a pretty quick drink too.
 
 
 
 
 
At night,  which was the highlight of the trip, we witnessed the celebration of the Founders Day. It is part of a week long event, sometimes referred to as the Founders Week. It was a fun and loud celebration filled with fraternity and organizational gatherings, exhibits, booth-building, concerts, and pigging out! We gatecrashed one of the fraternity booths and had a great dinner with people I barely knew! It was indeed a night to remember. Went back to our hotel almost midnight and watched cartoons until we fell asleep.
 
 
Outside the university

 
APO Booth
 
 
Silliam University T-shirts for sale

 
Christian concert

 
 
Day 2. We hit the famous Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries shop in the morning. Their flagship store is located just a few steps from the boulevard and recently opened a branch in Robinson's Place. Living up to its name, their goodies have really no rival. Who would dare resist their trademark and best seller Silvanas and also a perfect pasalubong. I have tried Silvanas from other shops in Cebu, but theirs is incomparable. It's way creamier and tastier, one of the reasons to come back in Dumaguete. So I bought a few boxes to take home. Speaking of home, it was time to bid Dumaguete goodbye and headed to the port for our trip back to Cebu.

 
 
Butter Silvanas
 
 
The flagship store
 
An unplanned escapade which surprisingly turned out to be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks to my travel buddies! <3