Foodtrip at Ayala Center Cebu: Casa Verde and Desserts Factory

Without a doubt, Ayala Center Cebu is one of the most beautiful Ayala Malls in the country. This particular mall is known as “The Terraces”, precisely due to how the mall was designed–like terraces. You would feel refreshed while dining al fresco or while strolling with a view of the city lights, the trees, the landscaped grounds, and the nearby skyscrapers.

The Terraces

We went several times to Ayala Center Cebu during our two days stay there last August, not only because the mall is near Wellcome Hotel but also due to the fact that we like the lay-out of the mall. I’m the type of person who does not like malling; I usually go to the mall whenever I need to buy something, or if I just want to watch a movie or to try new coffee shops or restaurants. I do not like strolling at the mall, I easily get bored when I do so and the boredom would shift to exhaustion after hours of walking.

But it feels different at Ayala Center Cebu. 🙂 The mall lay-out is a big factor, you would not feel claustrophobic after hours of walking as you can easily get out of the indoor mall, and get instantly relaxed at the sight of the city lights and the skyscrapers. The air is fresh and you feel close to nature even though you are inside a modern establishment. You would not feel rushed, and just a few meters away, cabs are lined up waiting to take you to your home in Cebu for the next few days.

Another thing about Ayala Center Cebu, while they have stores and restaurants that can be found on malls in Manila, there are also restaurants which are distinctly only in Cebu. There are branches of Cebu classic food chains like Sunburst Chicken, Orange Julius, and My Joy. Being food lovers, we tried two restaurants which were recommended to us by friends who have been in Cebu: Casa Verde and Desserts Factory.

Desserts Factory

On our first night, since we were still full from our early dinner at Sunburst Chicken-One Mango branch, we decided to take a stroll at Ayala Center Cebu and have desserts afterwards. I read about Desserts Factory from a friend’s blog. It’s located at the 3rd floor of the mall.

Cozy ambiance, wide selection of desserts

We ordered brewed coffee and a slice of banana split cake, which is very yummy. There are variety of choices for cake and dessert lovers. True to its name, dessert factory is sweet tooth haven. Price per slice of cake is reasonable, which is less than 100 pesos (lower than the standard price of cake slices from coffee shops in Manila, which ranges from 110 to 150 pesos).

Brewed coffee and banana split cake

Desserts Factory does not limit its meals to desserts and coffee. They offer rice meals, pastas, sandwiches, salads, and shakes. You bet the next time we would be here not just for desserts but also for the meal. 🙂

Happy with our choices

The next day, we decided to try the highly recommended baby-back ribs of Casa Verde. There is a branch at Ayala Center Cebu so we went there for lunch. There are already groups waiting for lunch, the place is packed. But I was relieved it did not take long for us to get seated. And so, we ordered Brian’s Ribs, the famous baby-back ribs of Cebu, reasonably priced at 208 pesos.

Brian’s Ribs

The meal is good for two as the serving is huge. You just need to order extra rice for your companion. For me, the meal is not over-rated. You would get your money’s worth for juicy, mouth-watering baby-back ribs. We paired it with Worcestershire sauce, just ask the waiters to bring you one. We were not able to try other dishes as Brian’s Ribs alone is big enough for two.

Aside from baby-rack ribs, Casa Verde offers American dishes like steaks, burgers, sandwiches and pasta. They also offer good old American milkshakes. Ambiance would remind you of T.G.I.Friday’s.

View from where we were seated

We left with a happy stomach and with a promise to drop by at Casa Verde every time we visit the city of Cebu. 🙂 It was a quick meal during a busy lunch at Casa Verde, but their food and diner ambiance made a lasting impression on us.

Aside from the branch at Ayala Center Cebu, there are other branches in Cebu City such as in I.T. Park and at Lim Tian Teng St. in Ramos, Cebu City. For those based in Manila and yearning to taste again Brian’s Ribs, there is now a branch at the Ayala-UP Town Center in Katipunan Ave., Quezon City.