Aziza

Cebu is changing at a breathtaking pace and the restaurant scene is in a state of constant, rapid innovation.

On the heels of its silver anniversary, Tinderbox, which began as a cigar lounge and liquor store at the newly built Manila International Airport, has undergone impressive and dramatic changes through the years.

Today the establishment brings a multi-dimensional experience to Cebu as it introduces the latest experience in elegant fine dining simply called Aziza, located in uptown Archbishop Reyes Avenue.

The driven, hands-on owners Billy and Marlene Borromeo Mondoñedo knew exactly what they wanted – a sleek, minimalist design that would have the perfect ambiance with a touch of coziness and calm.

Talented architect Ed Calma was commissioned to redesign the exterior into a sleek and stark structure that is conclusive in its decisive modernity, prominent in its use of lines yet devoid of ornaments and embellishments.

An artistic metal sculpture by Ann Pamintuan stands along a corner by the entrance that cradles a lush ever green fern, while black  chandeliers draped with crystals  purchased at a furniture show, subtly illuminate the whole dining area.

The gray interior walls are highlighted with reproductions of Renaissance paintings by the master of baroque paintings Peter Paul Rubens. A life size photographic print in black and white of Ruben’s The Judgement of Paris dominates one entire wall that gives details to human curves and dramatic art. Billy Mondoñedo, the only fine art printer in the country, magnificently captures the interplay of shapes, shades and beauty.

Innovative furniture designer Luisa de los Santos lends a classic sophistication with the use of subdued dark brown woven furniture’s that contrast the immaculate white linen tablecloths and napkins.

The excellent French-Mediterranean cuisines is by a German chef who works out of Switzerland. He has created authentic masterpieces and traditional-based menu that include Goose liver flan accompanied by creamy truffle oil-scented broth, crème crecy with deep-fried leek straw, tenderloin steak with peppercorn sauce served with potato au gratin, sea bass fillet in spicy tomato sauce with bacalao-stuffed piquillo pepper and for dessert Bailey’s parfait.

To culminate a truly fabulous gourmet experience, the Z lounge on the second floor beckons diners to unwind, relax and savor a wonderful evening of perfection.

Multi-awarded furniture maker Kenneth Cobonpue displays his design expertise by creating the framework of the entire space around the idea of organic woven material that envelopes the lounge from floor to ceiling.

The ethereal lighting is lit from below through the onyx floor which lends yet another unparalleled quality to the place.

Lovingly