Punchy "Sisig" and Beat-down Prices

CEBU, Philippines- "Sisig," a popular Filipino food traditionally made of pig's cheeks, ears and liver, made it to the third spot of 50 favorite Pinoy foods in a CNN Travel update two years ago. And just recently, the New York Times proclaimed it "the best pork dish in the world"!

In the CNN list, "sisig" had overtaken the "balut" (duck embryo) as most-sought Pinoy staple, taking the 29th slot. Of course opinions differed on the ranking but it showed clearly how "sisig" has come to be favored by world foodies.

Food stylist Maida Pineda, in the said CNN Travel article, pointed out that what makes "sisig" more interesting to world foodies is that no pig parts ever go to waste. This culinary item, which sizzled first in Pampanga, turned pork cheeks, head and liver into a scrumptious appetizer. A certain Aling Lucing was said to have invented this dish in a humble stall along the train railways in Angeles City.

The crunchy and chewy texture of "sisig" is a perfect match for ice-cold beer. Here in Cebu, the Exciting Picnic restaurant offers great, punchy "sisig." The place is located at the Mactan Marina Mall, in Lapulapu City.

During Exciting Picnic's grand launch on August 8, "sisig" was served to media people and other guests, in pork and chicken varieties. There were other dishes, too, like grilled chicken, "sinigang," sizzling squid, and other house bestsellers. I opted for chicken "sisig," considering my hypertension issue, and I still very much enjoyed the fare.

Another attractively unique offering at the new restaurant is their boodle fight, where a group can share from a large platter resembling the shape of a boat, containing a mix of seafood and meat varieties, and tropical fruits.

Interestingly, Exciting Picnic lives up to its name by sporting outdoor-park-themed interiors, complete with swings, pebble flooring, plants, and birds chirping. Business partners Morgan Chan, a Singaporean national, and Jennefer Sison, the duo run the restaurant, aim to make Exciting Picnic the "King of Rice Meals."

"You've never eaten rice till you try ours!" Chan told guests during the launch. "I know it sounds loud, but it's not really an exaggeration. Just try it."

Their prices are the best in town, according to Chan.  "Imagine a full meal at only P99 with meat and side dish; you can even choose the vegetables, hot tasty soup, unlimited Singaporean rice and a free drink, served in super large plus-size plate." Their prices, he emphasized, are really hard to beat.