Parian Cebu was one of the highlights and the most popular places in Cebu. Most of the old houses where established there since it was a grate place stay. It was where most Filipino-Chinese Mestizos were found.

Today, Parian Cebu is like an unused candle that needs to be kindled. It is not as pretty nor as safe as it used to be.

However, despite this shadow-ish aura, it is still considered as a tourist spot in Cebu. Parian, as the oldest Chinese district of Cebu is being highlighted with their outstanding tourist spots like Casa Gorordo Museum, the Heritage of Cebu Monument (The Colossal Bronze Tableau, which used to be the Plaza Parian), the Jesuit House of 1730 and Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House.

In addition to these fascinating tourist spots in reviving Parian is another simple and cozy restaurant called Cafe Elysa located at the center of Parian Cebu. Once you have reached the Heritage of Cebu Monument or sometimes called as the Castrillo Monument, you are pretty much close to the place. You can either ask around or walk to the nearby Police Station (Brgy. Pulis Station) and ask...you will find Cafe Elysa in no time.

Cafe Elysa at Parian Cebu

I was invited to experience the combination of Local and Travel Inspired Cuisine at Cafe Elysa at Parian (Thanks to Doyzkie and Jude). I got the chance to meet the owner of the said place, Steve Aznar, who keeps coming back and forth from abroad. Cafe Elysa was named after his mother Elysa Aznar. The place is now full with art works of local artists (or maybe foreign) which are for sale and some portrait of the owner's family. Cafe Elysa is a bit small compared to other restaurants, but it's enough to make 4 or 5 families indulge themselves of the great food and feel the ambiance of what we call home.

For me, I think the place is fashionably elegant. I remember a restaurant in my hometown, Dumaguete, where it has similarities. I think the restaurant was called Boston Market and is owned by Kudos.

However, a place will always have rooms for improvement....and they can start with the chairs. I'm not sure if it was just me or the chair I was on was just uncomfortable...Thank God for the food and deviated my attention...it was just to captivating to ignore!

That night we had a very interesting and informative dinner.

Caviar - it's tasty...starting of with a Fita biscuit with cheese and fish eggs on top.
Salt and Pepper Squid in a bed of Bokchoy- one of the best I've tasted!
Popcorn Shrimp - very delicious and is one of the must haves in the place.
Pinoy Lumpia - I ate most of the these...it's just so yummy.
Tangigue Ceviche - you can also call it Kinilaw and it's indubitably mouth watering. Unlike other restaurants, the fish used here is fresh. Two thumbs up!
Thai Spring Roll - complemented the sauce perfectly...
Chicken Liver Pate - one of the must haves... Perfectomi!
Spicy Beef and Eggplant Cake with Red Curry topped with Holy Basil - sooo holy..haha!
Pasta Bolognese with Basil and Grana Padano Cheese - This is the BEST for me!!! I suddenly remembered the movie 'Eat Pray Love'.
Elysa Rice - one of the must haves. This is actually a guilt-free fried rice. Unlike any other fried rice, this particular fried rice do not have oil stains on it.
Banana Apple Fritters - a very sumptuous dessert! The banana is a must try!!!

It was indeed a great night!
Thanks to Nayki for the photos.

Reminders for those who will be visiting the place:

Cafe Elysa is open from Tuesday - Sunday (they are close on Mondays)
(11:00 am - 3:00 pm) and (6:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

What is interesting about this restaurant is that they have a Standard Menu and they also have a Menu that changes every week. This is definitely something new in Cebu.

They will also be having guest chefs in the house once in a while. For that, Chef Skippy Borromeo, a proud Cebuana, will be at Cafe Elysa on October 22, 2010 and she will be preparing an American dish Cuisine with a touch of Filipino taste. Please see below for her menu on the 22nd.

Menu on October 22, 2010 - Only for Php695.00

- Appetizer -

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
Tiger Prawns with Chili Sauce and Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

- Salad -

Lettuce, Carrots, Kiwi and Mandarin Oranges with Honey, Mango-Lemon Dressing

- Main Course -

Honey-baked Ribs with Herbed Mashed Potato and Buttered Veggies

- Dessert -

Brownies tapped with Vanilla Ice Cream

The price is not bad for a very sumptuous dinner. So you better contact have a table reserved now!

Cafe Elysa
30 - A Zamora St., Pari-an, Cebu City
STEVE AZNAR

Phone: (032) 414 9265 | 416 6793
Cell: +63 921 4538377 | +63 908 8724980
Email: bellespicestaz@yahoo.com

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Friday, October 15, 2010