Work Diaries: Wine and Grind in Cebu

"The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play."  --Arnold J. Toynbee

I was sent to Cebu for three days for a business trip. The schedule, however, was filled to the brim! Work plus the scorching heat were all part of the daily grind. My partner, Anna, and I, resorted to eating as our form of relaxation. Not bad, right?

La Vie Parisienne

But R&R, for me, won't be complete without any wine. I love wine but I'm no expert; I'm not that keen towards brands or origins. I drink almost any kind but my favorite is red wine.

That's why I made it a point that we check out this place in Gorordo Ave., Lahug, called La Vie Parisienne. Imagine how thrilled I was when we entered this cute little shop and saw a pretty wine cellar! It was like a piece of heaven for wine-lovers like me.

We were quite hesitant to enter La Vie Parisienne at first since we were on a tight budget. But we were surprised to see that their food and drinks were pricey at all. When we stepped inside, we immediately noticed the aroma of freshly-baked pastries, the smell was so tempting!

Pastry prices range from PhP25-95 while macarons cost only PhP40/piece. La Vie Parisienne offered 10 flavors macarons: raspberry, vanilla, mango, orange, coconut, fig, lime, chocolate, pistachio, and lemon. The macarons came in different colors and were sold near the cashier.

Vanilla, pistachio, and chocolate macarons

I'm not really fond of macarons or anything that sweet but the pastries were another story. I absolutely loved the croissants! It was soft, moist, and buttery and were warm when served, perfect!

My serious partner, Anna, still on the phone for work-related issues

I liked how quiet the place was because we were able to rest and talk peacefully. Probably because it was still early when we went there. I heard that the place usually gets jam-packed, especially at night when they light up their cherry-blossom decorations in the garden area.

The garden area is prettier at night when the trees light up

The store had a vast selection of wine, with prices ranging from PhP200+ to PhP10,000+ per bottle. I'm madly in love with the design of their wine cellar! La Vie Parisienne is certainly a perfect place for nightcaps or catch-ups with your friends.

Our gastronomic adventure didn't stop in La Vie Parisienne. We also managed to visit other well-known food outlets in spite our hectic schedule.

Rico's Lechon

Never leave Cebu without visiting Rico's Lechon. NEVER.

I've always been a fan of Cebu lechon but I certainly won't forget the first time I tried the spicy Rico's Lechon. If you're a spicy-lover, you got to try this. But come early -- a huge lechon will be gone in just a few minutes. They also have the original lechon (not spicy).

Very late lunch! Good thing there was still lechon available.

Oh, just to let you know, they deliver to Manila!

Casa Verde

Casa Verde offers tender and tasty steaks and baby back ribs at affordable prices.

At their original branch in Ramos

Best-seller Brian's Ribs

Whenever you're in Cebu, for leisure or for work, forget about the daily grind, the heavy traffic, the city's hustle and bustle, and even your diet. And just let it all go.

Not bad for a hectic out-of-town business trip, right?


Contacts


La Vie Parisienne
371 Gorordo Avenu
Lahug, Cebu City
(032) 260 4388

Rico's Lechon
Unit 4 & 5, The Ridges Commercial Complex
Panagdait Road, Mabolo, Cebu City
(032) 260 2443

Casa Verde-Ramos
69 Lim Tian Teng St. (formerly V. Ranudo)
Ramos, Cebu City
(032) 253 6472