a bite of brownie

We visited this restaurant after remembering that Grand Convention  Center has once again opened its door to the locals after its very busy renovation that lasted for a few months. The new place had a contemporary new look updated to the times, with several lighting fixtures and a spacious parking lot.



We arrived here just in time before the throng of families arrived to dine at this place. Our timely arrival got us a comfortable couch seat facing most of the tables and a strategic view of the buffet arrangement by the northeast. They had a wide variety of dishes ranging from European, Chinese, and Japanese.



Compelled to sample each dish available at the present, it took me several trips to finally collect a tiny bit of each dish but giving particular attention to the sashimi bar where they serve thick tuna and salmon slices for those who requested.


I could definitely say that i was impressed by their Chinese fare as they had very exquisite tastes that were definitely true to their origins. Their dimsum were top notch, and so were their noodles that used traditional Asian herbs for spice. Alas, delicious their grub maybe, their international food were below the bar as most of them were too dry or over sauced. The desserts were also below average and tasted too sweet and tasted artificial.



Grand Majestic
Grand Convention Center, Archbishop Reyes



Verdict:
A: 3/5

i think the food was half exceptional, as there were several dishes of Chinese origin available for their guests. The price is a little too high for my tastes, and there are other restaurants that are value for money compared to this restaurant. I think the people who eat here are the loyal patrons of old coming from rich Chinese families who transact business at this place.

A few days after the grand opening of Rustan's supermarket, we visited cafe sarree to check what they had to offer in their menu.

 It was an entirely new restaurant right outside the payment area of our favorite grocery.

 It was a pleasant place, with spacious room for each table and a great view of the outdoors.

We were seated right at the corner most side of the establishment that has the closest view to the landscaped garden.

There were a lot of people for an eatery on its soft opening. I was even surprised, that they have an already complete menu.

For starters, we had gambas as our appetizer, which was generously cooked in olive oil and fresh bell peppers. There was a tangy hint of  spice in it too.

Their callos had a familiar taste of spanish cooking here, but i think they added too many extenders in it.

My sister's salpicao tasted good, but it was too salty for my taste. Finally, to end the meal, we ordered a cheese torta and a medium sized cup of cold soft taho, both of which are satisfactory in taste.

Cafe Sarree
Basement 1, Ayala Center Cebu






Verdict:
A: 3.5/5
 I wish they had the option to get fresh toasted bread instead of rice in their meals,the sauces would fit the crisp taste of it perfectly.

 Finally on our first visit here at Maya, my sister and I decided to be one of the earliest patrons to come to the place. This restaurant, it seems, is a drinking/hangout place for local and foreigners alike.


No wonder they only open at dusk.


We were well received and was led to a comfortable place on the second floor near the corner couch opposite to the bar. The area was huge and there were several couches that fitted to their customers' needs.


The menu has several pica-pica that goes well with the wide array of liquor that they sell, from wine to hard drinks and authentic Tequila made in Mexico that you won't compare to those cheap American made bottles.


 What I liked about this restaurant is that the ambiance is very enchanting, with Mexican music keeps playing in the background.


We had seafood ceviche, a bowl of guacamole, a serving of soft taco, and a very filling plate of crispy tijuana burrito.


Most of the dips here come with complementary chips and crackers, and these are quite delicious because they are light and crispy. I couldn't ask for more, to be honest.


The soft tacos were a disappointment, though, because there was too little meat in it that it isn't worth calories (especially if you're on a strict diet.)  The burrito was very heavy, with rice beans cheese and other greens Not recommended if you still want to move or you wouldn't want to fart in public.


To end the meal, my sister decided to get a plate  of Leche Flan, which is some sort of egg custard that the Spanish loved. I also sampled a shot of their tequila, two bottles of beer and a margarita.




Maya Restaurant
Crossroads Banilad




Verdict:
A: 3.75/5. Not a dining place, but a drinking place where you get to socialize with friends. Probably a nice place for a "Boy's night out."