Crimson Mactan has finally completed the renovation of its food concepts following the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Odette in 2021. The resort is renowned for its well-curated food offerings, making it a delicious destination for travelers seeking good cuisine. Key highlights include:
- Introducing a new omAKAse concept by Japanese Chef Naoki Eguchi
- ENYE by Chef Chele, the flagship unique Spanish bistro
- Saffron, the signature all-day dining and breakfast buffet
- Azure, the signature alfresco beach bar and restaurant
We return every year for the memorable Cebu Food & Wine Festival events at Crimson Mactan. This year, they executed an unforgettable crossover dining experience featuring all their outlets. The event started at Kalma, their garden café, followed by appetizers at AKA, pintxos at ENYE, dessert at Saffron, and concluded with an after-party at Azure.
Here are our not-to-miss favorites to make your stay at Crimson Mactan deliciously awesome.
Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan, Cebu
Seascapes Resort Town, Mactan Island, Lapu Lapu City, Cebu
mactanvoucher@crimsonhotel.com
+63 32 401 9999 / +63 32 239 3900
FB Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan
IG @crimson_mactan
AKA omAKAse by Naoki Eguchi
During the crossover event, AKA stood out as the best restaurant at Crimson Mactan, serving Japanese food that surpasses many offerings in Manila. Be sure to reserve seats beside the bonsai tree zen garden highlight or at the bar for the omakase experience.
Japanese Celebrity Chef Naoki Eguchi is the main consultant for this Japanese concept, traveling back and forth from Japan to ensure quality and offer updated dishes. He is known for his exceptional Japanese cuisine, impressing diners with precise techniques and a dedication to authentic flavors.Chef Masahiro Kinoshita, with over 20 years of experience in Japanese restaurants, leads the kitchen on a day-to-day basis.
CHAWAN MUSHI (₱450)
Steamed egg custard with dashi, prawn, chicken, shitake mushroom
3-VARIETY TEMPURA (₱550)
White fish, prawn, sweet potato
WAGYU BEEF SHABU-SHABU
Wagyu beef shabu-shabu in hot pot, dashi broth, radish white with chili, scallion
DASSAI PREFECTURE SAKE (₱950)
Junmai Daiginjo 45
Everyone was impressed with the standing tempura, lightly battered and dipped in its signature sauce, making us keep coming back for more. The chawan mushi was delicate, with high-quality meat surprises inside. Be sure to try the wagyu meat shabu shabu, lightly cooked to bring out its tenderness and flavor. The sushi and sashimi were high-quality and best paired with a Junmai Daiginjo from Dassai.
AKA MENU: Appetizer, Soup, Sashimi, sushi | Robata, Kimono, Mushimono, Tempura, Menrui | Gohan, Donburi, Dessert, Kakigori, Beverage: Cocktail, Mocktail | Beverage, Sake | Whisky, Gins
ENYE by Chef Chele Gonzales
ENYE by Chef Chele is the go-to Spanish restaurant in Cebu and features traditional Spanish favorites and signature Chef special dishes.
PAELLA DE TRUFA, SETAS y CERDO (₱1,900)
Truffle, mushroom, braised pork belly
SLOW ROASTED SQUID, STUFFED WTIH CALLOS (₱950)
Chickpea puree, squid ink reduction
CEBU LECHON TACO (₱595)
Mango salasa, frijoles mousse and sour cream
During the crossover, they did ala pintxos style serving with paella as the highlight. The slow roasted squid was cooked medium just right and stuffed with flavorful callos inside. They are also known for their Cebu Lechon taco to get all the flavors of Cebu in one taco.
YELLOWFIN TUNA TATAKI
Ajoblanco and grapes
SWEET TOMATOES
Sweet and sour gazpacho
GRILLED MACKEREL
Chermoula Lentils, Laksa bouillabaisse
Chef Fernando Alcala of Bolero was the highlight of the night. His sweet and sour cold soup made from Philippine tomatoes, the simple yet flavorful yellowfin tuna tataki with ajoblanco sauce, and the highly praised grilled mackerel captivated everyone.
ENYE MENU: Ensaladas, Sopa, Principales, Paella, Confiteria | Tra•di•cional: Pintxos, Charcuteria, Tapas, Tortillas | Chef’s Creations | Chele Gonzalez Specials
Drinks: Enye Specials, Sours, Daiquiri and Margarita, Martini | Bartender’s Choice, Beer, Gin | Mocktails, Soup, Tonic, Juices, Smoothies | Liqueurs, Port and Sherry, Brandy and Cognac, Aperitifs, Whisky | Bourbon, Whiskey, Tequila, Vodka, Lambanog, Rum | Regular Rum
AZURE
Azure is an alfresco beach bar restaurant offering stunning views of the sea and clear blue sky. While we love the setting, it can get quite hot during the day, and fruit flies can be a nuisance. However, it’s incredibly relaxing to hang out here, especially after a swim or a dip in the ocean. At night, Azure transforms into a bar with a well-curated cocktail menu and your preferred drinks, perfect for enjoying the night with friends.
LOCAL SCALLOPS (₱950)
1kg
NASI GORENG WITH CHICKEN (₱750)
Grilled chicken, wok tossed nasi goreng fried rice, red sambal, fried egg
NEW ZEALAND LAMB RACK
served with Spicy Cebu Mango Salsa
HALO-HALO (₱350)
Carabao milk ice cream and Leche flan cubes, sago pearls, kaong, nata de coco, sweetened white beans, langka cubes, and pinipig
The local scallops, prawns, and lapu-lapu are perfectly grilled and remain juicy. For a light lunch, try the grilled chicken nasi goreng, or celebrate with the grilled lamb rack. On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than enjoying a Halo-Halo with a view of the sea.
AZURE MENU:
• Start. With. These., Broths. And. Bisques. , Green. And. Lean., Buns. And. Rolls.
• Care.To.Share. , East. Meets. Grill. , From. The. Sea.
• Spice of Life. , Wok. This. Way., Sweet. Little. Things.
SAFFRON
This is our favorite breakfast corner, surrounded by greenery and under the skylight, offering an alfresco ambiance within an air-conditioned environment.
Saffron offers a diverse breakfast selection, including all my favorites: noodle soup, egg-white omelets, an espresso coffee bar, and our Cebu breakfast favorite—danggit.
SISIG CROQUETTES (₱395)
Sisig originating from the Pampanga region in South Luzon, consisting of pork cheek, ear, and an array of authentic herbs and spices, Saffron sisig croquettes.
GALBIJJIM (₱1,450)
Slow braised black Angus beef short ribs, with meat that is almost falling off the bones.
PANCIT PALABOK TOPPED WITH PRAWNS (₱750)
Pancit Palabok is a Filipino rice noodle dish with a rich pork and shrimp sauce, similar to a ragu.
YELLOW FLEUR (₱400)
Bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, saffron syrup, egg white
It is open for lunch with an à la carte menu. Some of our favorites include the sisig croquettes to start, a delicious galbi with rich Korean sauce and rice, and pancit palabok for merienda. You can also enjoy a whisky sour while working or having cool conversations.
MENU: Appetizer & Salad | Bonesless Pork Pata, Soup, Main Course | Escabeche, Main Course | Main Course, Galbijim | Sandwiches, Desserts | Beverages: Cocktails | Beverages
AUM SPA
The Aum Spa at Crimson Mactan was impressive, operating separately from the hotel. It features its own pool for spa guests, separate male and female jacuzzi areas, and steam saunas. The massage treatments are well-curated, setting the perfect mood for pampering.
Aum Hot-Duot Deep Tissue Massage (1 hour – ₱4,180)
Aum Shell Destressing Massage (1 hour – ₱4,180)
We love couple massage dates and trying out different pampering treatments. I opted for the hot-dout deep tissue massage with hot stones wrapped in banana leaves, which was perfect for my strained muscles and stress relief. Rache tried the shell massage using cowrie shells, which had a unique texture, but she found it a bit cold.
AUM SPA MENU: For the body, For the face, Express Treatments, Spa Journey | AUM Massages, AUM Mactan Collection, Massage Therapies, Couple Wellness, Family Wellness | Poolside Relaxation | Sweet Solitude | Hand and Foot Care, Waxing
ROOM 123
We love our deluxe garden room, 123, which is the nearest to the ground floor amenities. The bed is incredibly comfortable, and we enjoy waking up late to savor the room with that special someone. The welcome snacks, bag, hat, and the printed daily weather report and resort happenings are delightful touches.
The bathroom is spacious, offering a luxurious bathtub experience with separate showers and toilet. It even has a fan for a breezy, cool relaxation. All rooms come equipped with an iron and ironing board for pressing your resort wear.
However, they still use single-use plastic bottles for water, which is not sustainable.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Crimson Mactan entices you to stay longer and embark on a culinary journey to taste Cebu without leaving the resort. AKA Japanese Omakase restaurant is a treat and the highlight of your stay in 2024. Be sure to spend time at the Aum Spa to pamper yourself. This is a perfect escape for your family or close friends to bond over good food and breathtaking sea views. Well done on the renovation and the completion of all the restaurant concepts!
Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan, CebuSeascapes Resort Town, Mactan Island, Lapu Lapu City, Cebu mactanvoucher@crimsonhotel.com +63 32 401 9999 / +63 32 239 3900
FB Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan
IG @crimson_mactan
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: I wrote this article 100% by a human with my biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. Congratulations for the successful Feast for the Senses Crimson Mactan event!
The post The Best of Crimson Mactan! (Food Guide) appeared first on Awesome! - Our Awesome Planet.