Sky Lounge Dinner: Blue Elephant at Apple One

BLUE ELEPHANT at Apple One

I’ve always been a fan of sky lounge setting especially dinners. I’d love to dine while enjoying a good view of the city. I don’t really mind if it’s the highest floor or the tallest building-I’m all for the unique dining setup it brings.

On my latest trip to Cebu, I wanted my visit to include a dinner or a lunch date with a sky lounge setup so I browsed through various places offering what I wanted. Among my ‘places-to-try’ are: Lantaw, Blue Elephant at Apple One, and a restau from Crown Regency Hotel.

Given the unruly weather when I got there, I didn’t consider going to Lantaw anymore since I heard it was a little hard going up there. And being left with two choices, I chose Blue Elephant because it was strategically nearer than my hotel and Ayala Cebu. (In fact, it was right beside the mall!)

I had a table reservation for dinner and as soon as we got there, I instantly had a lot on my mind. Pros and Cons. I suggest in dining up there, one should reserve your expectations as it can go from what you expected to a total opposite setup.

The place was totally blue. The lights and the whole setting. It was a cozy lounge-perfect for coffee/wine in the afternoon. However, it was relatively small for a restau serving dinner (although, there was a VIP lounge, an indoor and an outdoor area that you can choose from).

For the food:

It was really good. Dishes were unique and had a different take on the mix of Asian cuisine. It’s also budget-friendly and the serving is huge. Despite the bipolar weather trying to ruin the outdoor setting, the food made up for it.

Korean Premium Back Ribs

Frozen Iced Tea

Bagoong Fried Rice

Buttered Fish Fillet with Garlic

All in all, the experience was good. I got my sky lounge fix; a great view of the city; and good food. It was a great date after all.

Although a little pointers if you’re planning on dining there too:

• It gets really crowded at night so make necessary reservations ahead.
•  If you’re very vain with your hair, choose the indoor setting as the wind gets tough up there. It might ruin your date if you’ll fuss about it all night.
• IT MIGHT RAIN. So again, indoor setting is your best bet.
•  EDM songs are usually played outdoors-that’s up to you to decide. But there are live bands to entertain you in some days so ask away upon reservation. 
• If you’re in Ayala Cebu, forget the cab-you can walk going there.
• There's a cover charge of 350php per person for those who wants to eat at the VIP Lounge, and 300php per person for the roof deck. Both charges are consumable.

That was my Blue Elephant experience at Apple One.

 A little crazy but it was still worth it.

XX,

Faye

***

Blue Elephant at Apple One is located at AppleOne Equicom Tower, Mindanao Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.

Open from 5PM till midnight daily (except on Fridays and Saturdays when it closes at 1AM

Call them at  511-7600 for more inquiries or reservations.

Finding Comfort (Food) at Bistro Carcosa

BISTRO CARCOSA

Finding new cafes in Iloilo City has been a craze lately. The search for the best has always been a constant battle. The list of new places to dine keeps on getting longer and longer.

And on my latest quest, I’ve finally had the chance to dine in Bistro Carcosa. I’ve always wanted to try it out there but to no avail since I’d always have a busy schedule in going to the city or my shopping time gets a little longer. lol!

But as a self-proclaimed foodie, I never missed my chance on trying out this café when my schedule finally cleared up.

The place was cozy- a little minimalist with a rustic feel. My kind of café.

As soon as we got there (convinced my mom to go with me), the place was already inviting. Although you can’t easily spot it along the highways or streets as it’s found in the corner area of the Uptown Place. Still, being an eager beaver, we headed in.

When we had our lunch, at the most unlikely hour, there were a few people who were also dining. And I thought this place must really be good that even after past the regular lunch time, it was still packed with diners.

For the food:

It's price-worthy and the taste was uniquely good. It’s a comfort food with a classy look. Absolutely gastronomical. (Or at least in my case and based on the dish that I tried)

Big Boy Ribs x Garlic Mashed potato

Truly coming back to try more of their dishes and as such, I highly recommend this bistro. 

xx

Faye

Bistro Carcosa is located at the Uptown Place, in front of Sarabia Manor Hotel.

Open from 11AM-11:45PM ( Monday- Sunday)