Seda Ayala Center Cebu is participating in this year’s Cebu Food and Wine Festival. I was invited on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, to their intimate dinner preview at Misto Restaurant. The special set menu for the event is called Pagtagbo.
After a successful participation last year, Seda Ayala Center Cebu decided to bring back Pagtagbo this year. The only difference is that this time it consists of three courses with a different set menu prepared by their in-house chefs, led by Executive Sous Chef Gina Limot.
Pagtagbo holds a special significance for Seda Ayala Center Cebu as it represents the acknowledgment of culinary journeys from the past and how they are incorporated into the present.
ABRIGANA
The dinner began with a special plate of appetizers called Abrigana (not included in the 3-course meal). This appetizer showcases the hotel’s partners: Tablea Chocolate, Liana’s Tablea and Chocolates, and Pili & Pino, all of which share the hotel’s passion and commitment to sustainable farm-to-table dining and supporting local farmers.
By prioritizing sustainable dining, the hotel offers guests a unique culinary experience that highlights the flavors and traditions of the region and contributes to the well-being of the environment, too.
SABAW
Next, we were served a comforting bowl of Roasted Tomato Soup, alongside a crispy toasted Pandesal Stick. This delicious soup is designed to tantalize your taste buds and set the stage for the delectable culinary journey that awaits.
PAGTAGBO SA SEDA
The featured three-course menu takes inspiration from local ingredients and traditions while prioritizing sustainability and a harmonious blend of flavors. The menu consists of three parts: Ensalada, Potahe, and Siragana.
Ensalada: Dragonfruit and Pomelo on a Bed of Greens with Citrus Vinaigrette
With your first bite, you’ll be greeted with freshness from this vibrant salad. The exotic flavors of Dragonfruit and Pomelo come together on a bed of crisp greens. This refreshing dish becomes a true sensory delight when drizzled with the tangy citrus vinaigrette.
Potahe: Chicken Adobo in a Coffee-Infused Coconut Sauce with Polenta and Steamed Vegetables
At first glance, this dish is visually stunning, almost too beautiful to eat. Chicken Adobo, a Filipino favorite (and mine as well), takes on a new twist with a coffee-infused coconut sauce. The addition of polenta, made from coarsely ground corn, as a side dish was a delightful surprise. The fusion of delicious flavors has quickly made it my favorite chicken adobo rendition.
Siragana: A Sweet Symphony of Filipino Desserts
I got excited when they presented this delightful trio of Filipino desserts with a twist. One of the desserts, Biko Mais, caught my attention as I had never encountered a sticky rice cake infused with corn before. It had a grainy texture that I needed to get used to, but the sweetness of the mouthwatering Bukayo (caramelized coconut) made it a treat worth savoring.
The zesty Calamansi Cake was a refreshing palate cleanser after diving into the sticky sweetness of the Biko Mais.
I saved the Sapin-sapin for last, as I wasn’t particularly fond of this dessert. However, to my surprise, it turned out to be incredibly creamy. It melted in my mouth, and when paired with the flower-shaped biscuit, Rosquillos, it became a truly delightful treat. It melted my heart if you catch my drift.
This culinary journey concluded perfectly, combining flavors from the past and present. The three-course menu, Pagtagbo, showcased local ingredients and traditions while emphasizing sustainability and a delicious fusion of flavors.
PAGTAGBO: WAS IT WORTH RECONNECTING?
Seda Ayala Center Cebu made a fantastic decision by bringing back Pagtagbo. It offers a wonderful opportunity to indulge in the flavors of the past while embracing the innovations of the present. I highly recommend this special set menu and treat yourself to a memorable culinary experience that pays homage to Cebuano classics and celebrates local ingredients.
You can enjoy this exquisite three-course set menu throughout June for lunch and dinner (from 10 AM to 10 PM) in Misto Restaurant. The price for the set menu is Php850 net per person.
For any inquiries or table reservations, please call (032) 4115800 or email accebu@sedahotels.com.
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