2 grand launches in Cebu

It is always refreshing and truly encouraging to see young, full-of-ideas, spirited entrepreneurs wholeheartedly venture into various, new projects amid the trying economic and political uncertainties of the times.

Several industrious Cebuanos have their hands full starting businesses all over the city. I recently had the opportunity to visit two such places.

Newlyweds Robert Lu, an industrial engineer by profession, and Mary Rose, a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan, inaugurated the fashionable Mélange Restaurant at the metropolis’ latest up market Food Street within the Banilad Town Center.

The energetic Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia and very visible Cebu Vice Mayor Michael Rama cut the ceremonial ribbon with Monsignor Roberto Alesna blessing the premises.

Mélange is as informal and as casual a resto as you could wish for, where you can choose to experience a variety of international favorites. Try their pasta dishes, all of which have a special something that make them a little bit different, an excellent selection of fish and meat dishes that are all sure winners. The crepes with all kinds of fillings are absolute treats, too.

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Enterprising siblings DJ, Martin and Quito Jose, all graduates of the California Culinary Academy, saw the potential of fusing quality comfort food with a touch of gourmet in Brothers Burger situated just right across Mélange.

All burgers are made from 100 percent beef patties with no meat extenders, and stuffed into oatmeal-crusted buns. A variety of toppings are available as well: sautéed onions, teriyaki, honey-Dijon mustard, cheese, wasabi, mushroom, bacon, garlic, and blue cheese. And let’s not forget the french fries served with their skins on and homemade crisp onion rings cooked in cholesterol-free canola oil. "These," the brothers chorused, "spell the big difference between a commercial burger and a Brothers Burger."

"Basic burgers are the Brothers Burger, Double Brothers Burgers, and the classic Brothers Pounder. The baby burger is perfect for kids and grown-ups with little appetites. The Brothers cheese steak, crispy fish, Chicken Zumo, and homemade cookies and brownies add to the delectable list."

In Cebu, the Brothers Burger franchise is owned and operated by Southern Ventures Retail and Management Corp. It is the 14th branch and the very first outside Manila.