The success of the Second Zee Choice Awards held in Cebu City was undeniable. Neither the Governor’s Ball nor the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympics deterred guests from attending the event. The competition was created by the South’s premiere lifestyle magazine, Zee Lifestyle, in 2007 to recognize Cebu’s favorite dining establishments. This year, Zee editors came up with 10 new categories: Best Chinese Restaurant, Best Japanese Restaurant, Best Buffet, Best Resort Restaurant, Best Delicatessen, Best Wine Selection, Best Dessert Place, Best Function Venue, Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant and even Best Bathroom.
For the second year, and over a period of three months, food enthusiasts cast their votes through an online survey by logging onto www.zeelifestylecebu.com as well as through text messages. This year the voters were just as eager to choose their favorite restaurants. The voting process reached its peak as the last day of voting to select Cebu’s finest dining establishments was approaching.
Last year’s winners included Abaca Restaurant, which was awarded Best Western Cuisine as well as Zee Editors’ Favorite, Treff, for the Best Lounge in town, and Café Laguna as Best Asian Restaurant.
This year’s winners were awarded on August 8 at an evening event. The awards were held at the lobby of SM Northwing, which was spruced up by architect and interior designer James Jao. Guests enjoyed tapas and sangria and listened to live bossa nova music.
The event was presented in cooperation with major sponsor Samsung, as well as with SM Northwing, RCTV, Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, and the Philippine STAR. Melanie Ediza and Stephane Urtizberea from the Models Association of Cebu hosted the awarding ceremonies while Cebu City First Lady Margot Osmeña was the event’s guest of honor.
The following were this year’s winners for the Readers’ Choice Awards:
Best Chinese Restaurant went to Tin Gow located in Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
Best Japanese Restaurant was given out for the second year in a row to everyone’s favorite, Nonki.
It was no surprise that Best Buffet went to Café Marco in Marco Polo for its delicious array of choices.
Best Resort Restaurant was awarded to the Hilton Hotel’s Manny O’s Wine and Tapas Restaurant.
The Gustavian was the evening’s biggest winner, garnering two awards: Best Delicatessen and Best Wine Selection.
Best Dessert Place was awarded to La Marea with its best-selling warm brownie cups.
Best Function Venue went to Grand Convention Center.
Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant was given to Big Mao in Crossroads whose fish pond has become a favorite hangout among the young ones.
Best Bathroom was awarded to Pino for its well-designed loos.
An eleventh award, the Zee Editors’ Choice for Restaurant of the Year, was given to Abaca as proprietor and chef Jason Hyatt has consistently maintained the superb quality of the food he serves at the resort.