All-Filipino at Cafe Lorenzo

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Grand Hotel did a soft launch of its Café Lorenzo's new lineup of all-Filipino dishes on February 5. The dishes presented included appetizers, soup and veggie dishes, as well as spicy food items that were good to go with beer during the "Happy Hour" promo. The delectable idea was mainly directed at the hotel's 80-percent share of the "balikbayan" market, while also considering the rest of their clientele.

Food and Beverage supervisor Julius Samson told us that the food-tasting was a prelude to a grand launch of the new menu, for an even more delightful experience for their guests. He underscored the hotel's good mix of quality accommodation, great facilities, and warm service.

The all-Filipino food fare is an added feature "to showcase the best of Cebuano hospitality our guests deserve," according to Samson. "We have to highlight our upgraded Café Lorenzo services because this, we feel, is the essence of warmth and hospitality for which the hotel has stood for in the last two decades."

Given the fact that the Filipino are known to appreciate food that's familiar, Café Lorenzo head chef Sisinio Rivera ensures the availability of all-time favorites like Crispy Tadyang (ribs) with Sinamak Sauce, Bicol Express - which can be adjusted from mild hotness to ultra hot, and of course the Pochero - which can be made "sizzling" if the diner prefers so.

"Happy Hour" is a 4-plus-1 plus 1 promo, consisting four bottles of beer and an appetizer - plus a fifth bottle free. The 5 p.m.-9 p.m. promo offers customers four kinds of appetizers (traditional favorites all!) to choose from: Chicharon Bulaklak, Pork Tips, Tokwa't Baboy and Sisig. The promo, although originally intended for the Sinulog season, may be extended to run until April "because of the warm response of the market," according to Samson.

Café Lorenzo also offers Breakfast Buffet, which comes free for in-house guests, and at P325-per for walk-in customers. The price is waived for children below six years old. The place can seat 60 diners.

In this Month of Hearts, Café Lorenzo has set menus and a "Drink of the Month" for those that come for a good romantic dinner.  (FREEMAN)