CEBU, Philippines - For the diet conscious, they watch what they eat. But at Linea Restaurant and Lounge, you watch what you’re about to eat, and by that, it means you witness how the mouthwatering and appetizing food is prepared to your own liking.
Linea Restaurant and Lounge, located on the ground floor of eBloc Tower, Asiatown IT Park, Lahug, gives you the best dishes that you not only get to taste, but you see how everything is prepared through their open kitchen.
Part of the unique design of the restaurant is the glass wall that divides the dining area from the kitchen. This gives customers a clear view of what goes on in the kitchen, much like the popular American cooking show of Chef Gordon Ramsey, Hell’s Kitchen.
But unlike the reality show, no shouting goes on in the kitchen and customers can enjoy watching how their food gets made.
Jimmy Durano, owner and chef of Linea who lived and trained as a chef in Germany, shared that he actually got the concept of the open kitchen there where most kitchens of restaurants are open kitchens.
He took on the idea because aside from cooking, he enjoys sharing his passion, which is also why he is considering on having culinary lessons soon for those interested to learn.
Since they opened late last year, their open kitchen has gotten rave responses from their customers, especially those who come with their children who enjoy watching what is going on in the kitchen.
“Sometimes we invite people to really go inside the kitchen,” said Jimmy who boasted that aside from their open kitchen, they take pride in their dishes because they personalize it upon the customer’s request.
Linea’s dishes are made of fresh, non fatty and imported ingredients but Jimmy, who not only owns the place but personally cooks the orders along with three assistant chefs, shared that most importantly they adjust to each dish, depending on their customer’s special requests.
“If they don’t want it too spicy or too salty, or if they do not want a specific ingredient to be in the dish, then it won’t be a problem. It would also depend if we have an ingredient they want, but as much as possible we give them what they want.”
Just when you think nothing can get better than that, think again. Linea restaurant offers a variety of dishes ranging from German food, Arabian, Thai, Chinese, Spanish and more. Chef Jimmy also bakes their own luscious cakes and scrumptious breads.
Jimmy was introduced to different cultures when his family moved to Germany when he was six years old. However, his love for cooking started when he was 24 years old and he subsequently took up culinary arts. From then on, it has been 12 years of success for Chef Jimmy who not only cooks well but manages the business himself.
Aside from the classy restaurant style of Linea, it also has the comfortable ambience with bean bags to sit on while movies are shown for children to watch.
If you just fed your tummy and would just want to drink and relax, they also offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at their bar and lounge area. Match that with the restaurant’s best sellers, like the spicy and cheesy Durano Pizza or the Linea Pizza, or schnitzels and nachos and you’re in for a really great time!
Regular customers of their bar and lounge also get to display their favorite bottle of drink in the restaurant’s souvenir wall.
Linea Restaurant also has a function room good for 10 to 12 people for a consumable price of only P6000.
The restaurant and lounge is open from Tuesday to Thursday; Sunday from 10am to 12midnight; Friday and Saturday from 10am to 2am. They are closed on Mondays. (FREEMAN)