Food options at Diamond Suites' Grain Restaurant

CEBU, Philippines - The flavors are recognizable since the dishes are familiar - some are all-time favorites while others are household staples – yet adding garnishes and choice ingredients does the trick that is sophistication.

Grain Restaurant at the Diamond Suites & Residences along Apitong corner Escario Street serves nothing too complicated yet surprisingly flavorful meals. Bravo to executive chef Ericsson Velayo for pulling off such extensive menu of soup, salad, appetizers, Filipino favorites, pastas, noodles, sandwiches and desserts that are given extra attention by this young and dynamic kitchen king by being keen on presentation and fusion.

Its generous servings are enough to fill, however Grain Restaurant encourages a feast of more than two individuals with its two Platters to Share options: Meat Lovers - Buffalo Wings, Pork Chop, Pork Ribs & Braised Beef with Steam Rice; and The Asian Loop - Steamed Cream Dory, Tempura Prawns & Calamari, Pork Satay & Pickled Vegetables with Steamed Rice.

Yet most importantly, the prices are easy on the budget where one can order a fish dish that goes with steamed rice pegged at P125 only.

Here are a few recommendations:

BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad with Parmesan, Herb Croutons & Crispy Bacon for the health conscious who wants to indulge. Vegetarian options in the glossy menu are easily identified with the "V" mark, making this all-day restaurant a healthy choice for a dine venue.

The appetizing Crispy Buffalo Wings & Crunchy Battered Onion Rings with Blue Cheese Sauce is an instant hit and a perfect beer match. The chicken pieces are tossed into a special hot sauce of pepper, butter and some Eastern spices such as cumin, cinnamon, etc. then, fried to a crisp.

Char Grilled Tuna Steak marinated in Calamansi, Soy Sauce and Garlic served with Steamed Rice is cooked medium rare so it won't dry, according to Chef Ericsson.

Lechon Kawali with Pickled Vegetables is chef's favorite. It is drizzled with soy glaze that adds a tinge of sweetness.

Warm Banana Turron served with Vanilla Ice Cream topped with Chocolate Sauce is an indulging cap. An order has three turron pieces each served in tequila shot glasses with chocolate sauce dip. Another sinful piece is the Self Saucing Chocolate Pudding served with Vanilla Ice Cream which is akin to a lava cake with a steaming hot ganashe inside that when spooned out, it'll ooze out – so much for a little surprise.