Cebu Adventure Series Part 4: Food Trip at Lighthouse Restaurant, La Vie Parisienne and Sparkz Buffet

One of the things I practically enjoy in going to a new place is exploring its food. The new flavors introduced to your palate will teach you things about the region’s unique food preparation, and see the difference from that of your hometown.

Cebu has more to offer than its signature Lechon or dried mangoes. In my food trip series, not only was my belly satisfied from the great food, my eyes feasted on the pretty ambiance of some of the restaurants I’ve been to as well.

Lighthouse Restaurant

Lighthouse Restaurant in Mango Avenue was a recommendation from the hotel we stayed in Cebu, a few blocks away from Palazzo Pensionne. Its Filipiniana theme is demonstrated in the Filipino specialties, native interiors and staff wearing Filipino attire. While dining, you get to be serenaded by a blind band performing live Tagalog love songs. We ordered Sinigang na Sugpo (Prawn in Tamarind Soup), Pancit Canton and Baked Boneless Lechon.

The Pancit Canton had the right seasoning and generous mixture of seafood that I can consider it as one of the best versions I have tried. The Baked Boneless Lechon was another unforgettable dish I dream of going back to, should I have the chance to visit Cebu again. I mentioned before that I am not into pork that much but tasting this heavenly recipe made me change my mind for a moment. It was crisp and crunchy on the outside, and the fork-tender goodness made me forget my dislike for pork. Their Sinigang na Sugpo was differently made that I got puzzled on the secret ingredient of the soup base. Instead of kangkong, they used Chinese cabbage for the vegetables. I also read that Cebuanos use singkamas (turnip) instead of raddish, and guavas instead of tamarind in some of their sinigang versions.

The restaurant is a good place for huge family reunions or gatherings, or welcoming Balikbayan guests.

Lighthouse Restaurant
General Maxilom Avenue, Kamputhaw, Cebu
10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 PM to 10:30 PM
Phone Numbers:032 2332386 032 2332383

2. La Vie Parisienne

Before heading back to the airport, we had this interesting stopover to a Boulangerie in Lahug, Cebu City. La Vie Parisienne means the Parisian Life. It’s a French bakery, Deli and wine library. It stays on the same compound that houses the French Restaurant, La Maison Rose (The Pink Restaurant). La Vie Parisienne is a good place to hang out especially at night, when you get to see the cherry blossom lights glow against the dark. Aside from getting the chance to taste a wide variety of imported cheese, wine and freshly baked croissants at reasonable prices, you’ll be transported to a Parisian scene with the elegance of its outdoor setting. It’s one of those places you can look forward to after a heavy dinner, as you unwind with the cozy setting over a glass of wine, or a pastry.

There is also a branch here in Makati but the set-up is more eye catching in Cebu.

Its one-of-a-kind furniture is notably attractive, you can’t find it elsewhere in Manila. If I will go back to this place, I’ll make sure to come in the evening.

La Maison Rose is pretty much intimidating with its expensive menu prices. But a short glimpse inside is also worth the trip, for you will be fascinated with the vintage ornaments and pastel colors. Ask for the menu and you will be given an iPad. That cool.

La Vie Parisienne
271 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu
Phone: (032) 260 4388
Hours: 7 am to 4 am
Check their Facebook and Instagram for more details

3. Sparkz Buffet, Crown Regency Hotel

Sparkz is the buffet restaurant of Crown Regency Hotel, and is supposedly part of the package of Sky Experience Adventure for a price of 750. Because the weather was bad that time, we just availed the buffet and 6D movie. I could honestly say the price was not worth it. The mediocre food selection in the buffet is nothing but ordinary and others are tastetless. Good thing I favored some of the Japanese treats such as sushi and salmon. They also have a noodle and dessert station, but nothing quite exceptional. I was looking for seafood like tempura or sauteed shrimps, but there is none. Just manage your expectations when dining at this buffet.