CEBU, Philippines- There's new restaurant in the city with a New York-inspired atmosphere, combining vintage industrial chic aesthetics with its exposed pipes, distressed bricks, and graffiti walls. It features an open kitchen, an indoor and outdoor bar, and an alfresco area. It juxtaposes raw materials and modern finishes with subtle lighting and plush furniture, which are used to create an overall feeling of comfort and warmth. It's The Social, owned and operated by Tadcaster Hospitality, an all-day, dining venue.
By day, it is an Australasian-European Café, serving rich salads, freshly made pizzas, classic comfort food, and delectable desserts. At night, it evolves into a lounge hub with music from the best local and international DJs. Ambient colors subtly move from bright and fresh during the day, to warm and inviting during the evening, accentuating key areas around the bar, while highlighting the different textures and patterns of the interiors.
Group Executive Chef and New Zealand native Kacey Whaitiri-Roberts has created a menu composed of comfort and classic dishes inspired by distinct childhood memories of his homeland and Sydney, Australia, where he had also spent some time. Chef Kacey has incorporated his personal taste for food with local Filipino flavors to appeal to the local diners. Sous Chef and Filipino native Joan Elaine Chiang helps materialize Chef Kacey's vision, using fresh ingredients carefully sourced locally.
Equally important in the menu are the beverages. There's a nice selection of gourmet coffees and TWG teas to start the day. Or, for those looking for a nightcap, The Social offers cocktails that range from signature mixes like Cebu Cosmos, which is infused with Stoli Cranberry, Cointreau, mango juice, and soda water, and Social Butterfly, which is a mix of Maliburhum, cassis, calamansi juice, and soda, to classics such as Mojitos, Margaritas, and Long Island Iced Teas. Alongside the themed cocktails is a wide selection of predominantly new world red and white wines, bottled beers, and spirits.
The Social is perfect for celebrating important occasions or for catching up with friends. The place opens all days from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is located at the 4th floor of Ayala Center Cebu's new expansion. Its website is at www.thesocial.com.ph; and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thesocialcebu.