I tried TD&CO while I was in Manila last year, and I’m happy that they opened their first-ever store, TD&CO Cebu outside Luzon in January. Located at 8 Banawa Centrale, the cozy vibe of the place instantly makes you feel at home, inviting you to explore their diverse menu of donuts, savory pastries, pasta, set meals, and a variety of beverages.
On my first visit to the Cebu branch earlier this year, I quickly fell in love with their chocnutty Nutella and salted yema donuts, beef tapa breakfast set meal, macaroni and cheese pasta, and the comforting Hazelnut hot latte.
TD&CO’S CEBU SPECIALS
It was last week, when I found myself with a bit of extra time before work, that I stumbled upon their latest offering: the Cebu Specials!
Let me tell you, these solo meals served with egg drop soup are the perfect hearty treat to kickstart your day.
While waiting for my order, I decided to enjoy their brewed coffee, which was crafted so well that I didn’t need to add sugar or creamer—quite a rarity for my coffee-loving self! The rich aroma and smooth taste made the wait all the more enjoyable.
MEATLOAF N’ CHIPS
As the appetizer arrived at my table, the aroma of the meatloaf wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. What sets this meatloaf apart is its unique preparation – it was fried to perfection, resembling the crispy chips that came with the meatloaf. Both had a delightful crunch and packed with flavor that made it both indulegent and satisfying in between bites.
A little aioli dip or garlic mayo on the side would have been the cherry on top, but it was still a delightful experience.
CHORIZO DANGGIT
I was immediately struck by the enticing aroma of the chorizo which was undeniably boasting a rich, distinctive Cebuano flavor that sets it apart from other varieties I’ve tasted. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors, perfectly balancing savory and slightly spicy that my palates approved.
What truly impressed me of this Cebu Special was the texture of the danggit. It was perfectly crispy and has that satisfying crunch which is quite a contrast to the tender chorizo. Unlike some dried fish that can be tough, this danggit was not overly harsh on the palate, making it easy to enjoy with every bite.
Although I’m not usually a garlic rice fan, I found myself enjoying it, setting aside just the garlic bits in the accompanying vinegar dip which enhances its flavor making it a refreshing accompaniment to the viand, enhancing the overall experience.
LEMON GARLIC LIEMPO
The juicy, marinated pork belly was grilled to perfection and drizzled with a zesty lemon garlic sauce. Each bite was bursting with flavor, leaving no need for extra sauce. However, I did wonder if there was a way to make the leaner parts of the meat more tender. Maybe it was just that I had it after it had cooled down a bit after taking some pictures and video clips of the dish, but it’s a minor detail for an otherwise fantastic dish.
REFRESHING SIPS
The Watermelon Fizz and Strawberry Hibiscus Tea were both refreshingly good, making them the perfect companions for my meatloaf and chips and also both complemented well with the meals.
Not only these drinks quench your thirst but also add a refreshing burst of flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.
NUTELLA CHOCO CHIPS AND NUTS DONUT
And of course, I wrapped up my heavy brunch with this indulgent treat. This donut is a decadent treat, generously covered in Nutella and topped with choco chips and chunky nut pieces, with an extra drizzle of chocolate frosting. It’s definitely pure bliss!
Overall, my experience at TD&CO was nothing short of amazing. With their latest Cebu Specials, they have carved a special place in my heart (and stomach). If you’re in the area, you definitely need to check it out—TD&CO is truly the place to be! (REEL)
Leave A Comment