10 Dove's First Anniversary in Oakridge Business Park

                  10 Dove Street, one of my favorite restaurants in Cebu, has now warmed up in its new nest at Oakridge Business Park. Though they have moved to a commercial location, they were still somehow able to maintain that intimate, personal charm from when they were yet a hole-in-the-wall in Sto. Niño Village. I believe this is from the home cooking touch in their dishes and the personalized service they offer each guest consistently, making sure every visit is pleasurably memorable. 

               I think the most popular items from 10 Dove Street are their unforgettably loveable cakes that you can't miss the moment you step into the restaurant, sitting regally on their pedestals. These are definitely some of my favorite cakes in town for their perfect balance in texture (not too airy nor dense), sweetness (not throat-irritating which means you can easily finish the whole slice) and flavor combinations. They have mastered their signature chiffon cake that comes in many delectable flavors, it can be quite a challenge to settle for just one. Their cakes are so resilient, they can offer you rich chocolatey-ness or light, refreshing, fruity ones. My personal favorites are the Avocado Pandan Cake, Mango Yogurt Cake, Ube Pandan and the Opera! The Opera was particularly reminiscent of my favorite J. Co donut, the Alcapone! Hehe.  

[photo from 10 Dove Street Facebook page]

From top clockwise: Avocado Pandan Cake, Ube Pandan Cake, Mango Cream Cake, Triple Chocolate, Opera, Oreo Cake

Cake slices (from top clockwise): Avocado Pandan Cake, Opera, Mango Yogurt, Chocolate Decadence

         With their irresistible charm (and cakes), I'm sure every one who has dined here has an experience to share. You can read about mine on my post about them last year. Celebrating their first anniversary this entire month of April, you can actually use those experiences to win you some free gift certificates and enjoy 10 Dove Street even more. They're giving away P5,000 worth of GC's to the top 10 best photos. The mechanics are simple! Just click on the poster below to read about it:

           Easy as pie right? Of course, what's not to love about 10 Dove? I just rhymed? Hahaha. Don't forget to use the hashtags #10DoveStreetTurns1 and #OakridgeBusinessPark and tag 10 Dove Street on Facebook and Instagram when you upload your photos! And use your wittiest captions, too! Deadline is on or before April 27, 2015 (Tuesday). Winners will be announced over Facebook and Instagram on April 30, 2015. Enjoy! 

Happy Anniversary, 10 Dove Street! 

*For updates, follow 10 Dove Street on Instagram (@10DoveStreet) and Facebook. 

"To know Cebu, eat Cebu!"

oink oink,

Babe for Food

- your BFF in Cebu dining! :)

Cebu Secret Chows: A Perfect Ten Dining Experience

      It's been too long since I've posted about a secret food spot. I've been caught up with school and budget's been pretty tight but I finally got to visit one this month. What a relief!

     It was my dearest classmate's birthday on March 7. Chin-Chin is now 17 and I admit, I tend to forget her age because she's so mature! I feel like she's my age or is it the other way around? Haha. Just kidding.

     

     We planned to have lunch at J Center to grab some Cobo but it was too much of a hassle to get there because we came from the south campus. It would have to take 3 jeepney rides for us to get there and we were already pretty hungry. She decided to treat me to 10 Dove St. instead.

     10 Dove St. is located at Sto. Nino Village, Banilad. I've heard of this home-based restaurant years ago but I've never gotten to visit it 'til that day. I've only eaten their ube cake which my mom orders occasionally.

the birthday girl: Chin-Chin!

cute chairs that complement the ambience

Chin-Chin with their selection of their home-made cakes

cute menage (salt and pepper holders)!

     Finally having dined there thanks to Chin-Chin, the place was definitely a hidden treasure. It reminded me of the intimate setting at Cul de Sac down Maya St. But of course, this dainty little resto was special in its own way. They specialize in gourmet sandwiches which they offer with a choice of wheat or regular bread. 

      Like Cul de Sac, they have a set menu which consists of a soup, salad, sandwich and cake for only P 190. Great deal if you ask me! The menu was an interesting read. It was only there that I've encountered a wide variety of sandwiches meant as main dish and I did struggle a bit with my selections because I wanted to try so many of the choices. Anyway, I ended up with:

Soup: Brocolli and Cheese

     I've always been a fan of broccolli since I was younger hence the selection. Since it came with cheese, I was kinda expecting it to be slightly thick and elastic but unfortunately, my expectations were not met. I was disappointed when I found that the brocolli wasn't so fresh because the flowers were brownish. I had to season my soup a bit as dictated by my palate but there was a bit of a surprise when I discovered bits of extra miniature parmesan croutons as I dug down the soup.

Salad: Harvest Apple

chunky apple slices, black grapes, toasted whole walnuts, marshmallows and dried dates in light mayo 

      This actually just gave me the impression of a waldorf salad with marshmallows. I've heard of marshmallows in salads before but this was the first time I've tasted it. I'm not sure if it really suits my palate but it does add to the sweetness and texture of the salad. I also loved the combination of toasted walnuts and apples. And the natural sweetness of the grapes and dried dates melded well to complete the salad.

Sandwich: Poseidon's Quest

They're plating.

My plating. Hehe. :D

my real good fat ass sandwich! <3

       The highlight of the meal, one of their glorious sandwiches. I was feeling health-conscious that day so I opted for just a fish sandwich (wheat, of course). I was so glad they didn't use cream dory. It was breaded lamon-lamon (parrot fish) fillet, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and cucumber with dill mayo dressing. 

          Though it was just one layer, it was very filling and satisfying. The fish was cooked perfectly, tender and juicy on the inside. Chin-Chin and I switched half of our sandwiches to get a taste of both.

Dessert: Chocolate Decadence

          This, I was excited for. Dessert is always my favorite part of a meal. I wanted to try their carrot cake but this got the better of me. Irresistible. Dark chocolate ganache, moist and soft cake, with a luscious velvety filling. Double sinful!

As for Chin-Chin's choices....

Soup: Clam Chowder

       I found that our soups were of the same broth or base but hers was tastier because of the natural juices of the clam meat. 

Salad: Fandango

w/ a raspberry vinaigrette

iceberg lettuce, parmesan croutons, mandarin oranges, cheese and toasted walnuts

          This is one of their top selling salads but the vinaigrette was too thick. I think it was just raspberry jam added with a little oil and water; nothing special. 

Sandwich: Roast Beef

        This is just as good as a burger -- strips of beef tenderloin, sauteed onions and cheddar cheese. Really heavy. With the set meal, this is ultimately worth it. I loved this, too. Chin-Chin and I struggled to finish our meals because it was really heavy. 

Dessert: Mango Avocado Cake

      And of course, the perfect match to that heavy sandwich is a light fruity chiffon cake. This was really good; light yet flavorful enough and more than satisfactory. Mango and avocado are a perfect combination aside from the lovely color contrast; a teaser for the eyes and palate. 

      Coincidentally, 10 Dove has just turned 10 years old early this year and i'm sure it has left nostalgic marks on diners and still continues to. They are usually busy on weekends, both during lunch and dinner. This is a perfect place for a date away from the hustle and bustle of the city and even for meetings or an intimate party. 

10 Dove St., Banilad, Cebu City
For reservations, call (032) 346 0618. 
Operating hours: Monday - Saturday 11:30 a.m - 10:00 p.m.
Map: link


To know Cebu, eat Cebu! :D

xoxo,

Babe for Food

- your BFF in Cebu dining! :)