Good eats at Cebu White Sands

CEBU, Philippines - Dining at Cebu White Sands at Maribago Beach will never be the same again. The resort has brought in a new chef to revitalize their menu.

Marian “Anya” Unchuan said the resort is now focusing on improving the food offered at their restaurant. “Before, we had a problem keeping our guests here to eat. Now, with the improvements in the menu, many guests dine here already,” she added.

And the person in-charge for all the menu improvements is Chef Carmela Antonio, who is more popularly known as Chef Bonsai. “Maliit kasi ako kaya tinawag nila akong ‘bonsai’,” she explained.

Chef Bonsai, who has worked in restaurants like Le Souffle and TGI Friday’s Boracay, was recommended by Cebu White Sands’ consultant, Chef Tom Hines, who was Chef Bonsai’s former boss.

Among the many new things that Chef Bonsai introduced to the Cebu White Sands menu is the monthly Chef’s Specials and the set meals for lunch and dinner. “Our menu is actually a fusion of all cuisines. We serve Asian, Filipino and Western food,” Chef Bonsai said.

“We now serve different food everyday and this is good for our long staying guests,” added Ms. Unchuan.

Among the best sellers in the Cebu White Sands new menu are the Chicken Fajitas, Prawn Risotto, Pork and Beef Burgers, Pasta Paella and Salmon Teriyaki. They also serve Filipino favorites like Crispy Pata, Lechon Kawali, Chicken Binakol and Bistek Pinoy.

Aside from the changes in the menu, Ms. Unchuan said that the resort has also been upgrading its rooms. The resort currently has 52 rooms. She added that the resort will also be opening a spa and has brought in Karen Villaric-Neff of the Mandala Spa as their consultant.

“The spa will be very high end. Our staff for the spa, as well as the resort will undergo trainings for this expansion,” she said, adding that their target opening for the spa is in August of this year.

Cebu White Sands at Maribago Beach is located in Looc, Maribago, Mactan Island. You can reach them at 495-2226 and 495-9000. ?