Chika-an sa Cebu (SM Northwing)

My friends (Eva and Stella) and I went to SM after an unsuccessful walkathon-required effort at Becketts. They, being part of my wedding entourage, were supposed to fit their respective gowns. Unfortunately, when we reached there, the shop already closed. Not knowing what to do next, we headed for SM. When we arrived, I suggested that we eat dinner (at 5:30!). I know, at that time, it was quite early to have dinner but, I think, any person trying to adhere (but always fails) a no-food-after-six mantra can relate to it. Besides, restos are expected to be crowded around 6pm, especially on weekends.

Clueless as to where to dine, and all of us being indecisive, we decided to play “maraming-alis” just to designate a special someone; who will have the privilege of choosing the perfect resto. Stella, who ended up as the lucky special someone, chose Chika-an.

Chika-an serves Filipino foods. Filipino foods are generally delicious (biased me!). So it took us no longer than nanoseconds to agree.

We ordered:

Fried Katambak (Php 160)

Pancit Guisado (Php 110)

Shrimp Sinigang (Php 165)

2 bottomless Iced tea and 1 Regular Coke

Limitless Plain rice.

The verdict:

The ambience: the interior is quite bland. I must admit it looks boring because of the two-tone shades. Some fixtures or decorations would at least give us something to talk (other than our present conversation THEN) or (if not) gush about.

The price: Very affordable.

The service: was average. Our orders were served at the right time.

The food: I’m quite partial with Filipino foods, hehe..So, I would say OK. The servings (perhaps) are good for four persons. Consequently, our stomachs look bloated after the heavy meal.

I would consider going back there when other options prove useless. Meaning after deliberating on the so-called possible options, it will be considered but not a priority.

Laguna Garden Cafe - Cebu Business Park

After closing for some months for renovation, Laguna Garden Cafe opened its doors, again, to their beloved patrons.

They transformed the once Spanish-inspired interior to a more subtle minimalist in the form of smaller cozy furnitures, therefore, allowing more space between them. Also, they have added several tables (that now occupies the then part of the lobby) to accommodate more customers.
T and I arrived there for a few minutes before lunchtime. For our menu, we ordered the following:

deep fried kang-kong

sinabaw na hipon

pork with hipon

Here's the downside: We waited for at least 20 minutes or so before our orders were served. First, the drinks, then came our rice. Then we waited for another few minutes until our food were served one by one. Of course, Laguna Garden Cafe ain't fastfood. One would expect to wait some minutes but i never expected to wait that long, to think that the place was less than half-filled. Anyway, I suggest that one must make a reservation ahead to avoid the hassle of waiting.

The verdict:

Food:
traditional Filipino foods. The food was superb that we practically forgot the "waiting" we endured. I so love the 'sinabaw na hipon'! Good things really come to those who wait..but still, not that LONG.
Price:
Quite expensive compared to others that cater the same genre.
Ambiance:
nice and cozy.
Bathroom:
clean (for girls, a must consideration)
Service: average.