Finally, after visiting Cebu for so many times, I get to taste the best Lechon Baboy ever. This is at Noly-Annies Lechon in Jai Alai, Mambaling Cebu. The whole street there serves lechon, there are like 10 to 12 shops. Noly-Annies is the first shop on the left if you are coming from the direction of Cebu City.
It really is simply the best tasting lechon baboy I have ever tasted so far. The skin is so crispy and the meat is so succulent and tasty, and the fatty tissues just seems to melt in your mouth. You don't even need any sauce to go with the meat. The accompanying puso and especially the marinated young papaya goes well with the lechon.
The best time to arrive is around 12noon, as the freshly roasted carcass is brought out for sale. Within less than half an hour, more than half the huge pig is sold. Another 15-minutes later, while I was still there, the pig head was gone too. And remember to say hello to the smiling auntie who sits there packing the papaya strips.
Six months ago, in February, we visited Kuya J and enjoyed the dinner there so much that I decided to make a reservation for a party of 12 for August. No deposits needed. When I arrived in Cebu the day before the reservation, I called the restaurant and to my pleasant surprise, they actually remembered the reservation. This is what I call "service".
We had a great party. The atmosphere was good, the food was excellent and the service was impeccable. Special mention must be given to the Tuna Chilli, which was superbly deep fried and the chilli spread over the tuna slab was totally delicious. Also, the Crispy Catfish is a must try. Each catfish is chopped into chunks and deep fried to crispy. The light batter was just enough to hold the fish together without being excessive.
Baked Scallops Tuna Chilli
Pork Barbecue Prawns in Gata
Crispy Catfish
Spicy Calamares Lechon Kawali
The Grilled Squid was excellent too. Succulent and tasty, and not dry at all. The Spicy Eggplant is also one of my favourites. The mincemeat chilli sauce went well with the thinly sliced eggplant. All in all, a wonderful and satifying meal.
Grilled Squid
Spicy Eggplant Pancit Canton
Birthday boy Silverster Omboy with his friends
The Oreo Cheesecake was ordered from the Bittersweet Pastry Shop along Osmena Boulevard in the ABG Building. All cakes are sugar free. Another excellent discovery.
Karancho Beach Resort in Maribago on Mactan Island is a no frills beach resort open to the general public. Entrance fees are reasonably priced at P100 per guest. It you rent a cottage for P500 for 10 persons, entrance fees are only P50 per adult and P30 per child under 7 years old.
When we arrived on that day, the tide was low, and we could see the beach stretched all the way out into the rocky seabed. So we decided to go out in the Baroto (small boat) to the island not too far out at sea. It was fun helping to paddle the boat out to sea.
We paddled the boat to Rock Island, which is sort of an island with nothing but rocks. Even the small beach was rocky. But it was fun just sitting on the rocky beach facing the open sea and see the crystal clear water wavelets slowly flow in. It was so tranquil and peaceful. Not a care in the world. Just feel nature all around you. Wonderful feeling.
Had a wonderful time at Karancho Beach. So non-commercial on a Thursday morning. Great relaxation. Perfect for getting away from the rat-race.
