Lighting It Up

PASSION is, more often than not, associated with fire. The brighter they say, the better.

Within the compounds of the exclusive 32 Sanson by Rockwell in Cebu City, stands a new restaurant that is founded on the concepts of flames and flavors. With open arms, Kayu Kitchen + Bar welcomes just about every local and guest in town, including discerning folks with good taste, who have been following the city’s culinary trails for quite some time now.

Lest one develop a hankering for sushi and sashimi, take note that Kayu is not a Japanese restaurant as few mistake it to be. The restaurant name is inspired from the Cebuano word kalayo, meaning fire. But this place isn’t just about barbecue either. Just like how covers never do a good book justice, Kayu’s punching power remains to be discovered as the restaurant aims to deliver a well-rounded menu with one knockout recipe after the other.For starters, its clam chowder, made with celery, potato puree, scallops, pan de leche and basil oil, is a comforting dish. The chorizo and oysters

For starters, its clam chowder, made with celery, potato puree, scallops, pan de leche and basil oil, is a comforting dish. The chorizo and oysters is another appetizing treat delectably fusing two polar opposites. The duck confit, served with vegetables, camote puree and soy bean cassoulet, is a sure hit among meat lovers, while the glazed salmon in teriyaki sauce and served with a sushi rice cake will be able to please just about everyone. If one is feeling adventurous, the chicken satay corndog is definitely a headturner, served with caramelized peanut sauce and creamed corn. But if one is a high roller, the Kayu skillet, 12 ounce U.S. Angus ribeye served with potatoes and teriyaki, is a gustatory experience waiting to happen.However, great taste is not only found on these plates but influences the interior design as well. Made to match a look like it’s lifted right out of the ‘50s, yet with a modern twist, Kayu is full of custom-made furniture and striking lighting fixtures.

However, great taste is not only found on these plates but influences the interior design as well. Made to match a look like it’s lifted right out of the ‘50s, yet with a modern twist, Kayu is full of custom-made furniture and striking lighting fixtures.

Kayu is steered by Chef “Izzy” Sy, who is responsible for all the creations on its menu. He describes Kayu as a restaurant in Cebu where one can get his fix of “modern fusion.” Growing up in a household where food was given prime attention, Chef Izzy pursued his love for food in the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, California. He spent two years at Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s restaurant, Morimoto, where his love for flavors was set ablaze. Chef Izzy takes a little of California, and serves it up in Cebu.Indeed, passion goes a long way in love and life.\r\n\r\nKayu Kitchen + Bar is located at 32 Sanson by Rockwell, 32 Sanson Road, Lahug, Cebu City. It is open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The tapas bar is open from 10 p.m. to 12 midnight.

Indeed, passion goes a long way in love and life. Kayu Kitchen + Bar is located at 32 Sanson by Rockwell, 32 Sanson Road, Lahug, Cebu City. It is open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The tapas bar is open from 10 p.m. to 12 midnight.

Kayu Kitchen + Bar is located at 32 Sanson by Rockwell, 32 Sanson Road, Lahug, Cebu City. It is open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The tapas bar is open from 10 p.m. to 12 midnight.