Finding Joed's

I only wanted California Maki but it got me a friend's company and a pancake-like food entree. It was right after work and I remember hurrying my way from the office to get to McDonalds at Escario St. to meet Bee so we could hit Joed's for a sumptuous Japanese food trip.

At McDonalds, we hiked our way to Juana Osmena St. to get to Joed's. As you may know, jeepneys do not pass through this street as it is quite a narrow access road to Mango Ave. unless you hire a taxi. Joed's restaurant is formerly located at Mabolo and used to be just an extension of a house. Minus the hanging banners of Japanese images and drawings, one would find it as just an ordinary "carenderia". I remember being brought there by a former housemate for his despedida party. The beef teriyaki was so delicious and plentiful. This time I was all set to taste their California Maki in their new location beside Sacred Heart Girls High School.

California Maki

that Pancake-Pizza hybrid!!

We arrived at the place and I am delighted to finally find it after its unheard transfer from Mabolo. From the outside, you will begin to hear the sound of a live band playing and some people chattering from the tables set up outside the shop. Upon entering the premise, we were sure about our orders - a plate of California Maki for me while Bee ordered this round pancake sliced in four like a solo pizza (Okonomiyaki). I enjoyed my maki which I always associate for a healthy food due to its cucumber, tuna, and mango ingredients. It was served in an eye-candy presentation making it look all the more tempting. Okonomiyaki, on the other hand, which I had the privilege to taste had the texture and flavor of a pancake topped with chopped onion leaves, salty-sweet dark sauce, and mayonnaise. It was surprisingly delectable and I would gladly choose it over plain pancakes if given the choice.

That Joed's visit was truly an answer to Japanese food craving. We had to walk again from the restaurant to go to the Capitol - and guess what? To hunt One Claypot, the next food destination.

Price Peek: Joed's has their menu price range from as low as P45 - P250 and it is guaranteed to get you full after the last spoonful. See more details by visiting their Facebook page, Joed's Lutong Hapon.

Further Readings:
Cebu Food Spot
Everything Cebu

Location:
Joed's Lutong Hapon - Branch 1
G/F Enmore Residence Hall
257-A Don Jose Avila St.,Capitol Site, Cebu City
For Delivery, contact 09173100885.
OPEN: Monday- Sunday from 11AM-1AM
 

View Larger Map
 

Joed's Lutong Hapon - Branch 2

F. Cabahug St. Cor. Pres. Quirino 
Ayala Access road (Panagdait, Mabolo),  
Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Phiippines

View Larger Map

To Mind You

I think of you
You drive me mad
Oh yes,that true
And because I can't have you, it's sad.

I push hard
Sometimes beyond my limits
But I was never lucky in the cards
Always not the way I see it.

You fill my imagination
And it gives me inspiration
But each time all my attempts fail
I sulk at the corner frail.

I paint the skies blue by force
But why is it always grey
I work it like a horse
Still my efforts get dumped in a hay.

Why does it seem so difficult
To keep you for me?
And even putting all these to halt
Is still not easy, you see.

I still think of you
You drive me mad
Oh yes, that's true
If God grants me you, I'll be glad.

We Got Labeled

Labeled has lately become the popular destination for yuppies. Located at a very strategic place in the city, the work-stressed employees hang around at the strike of 6 pm and sometime tarries until early dawn the following day just to chat, chill, and relax. The bar stacks bottles of imported whisky, cold beer, vodkas, and many more. It also offers selections of good food from deep-fried crispy pata, sisig, spicy chicken, to beer match fries and crunchy cheese sticks. Whether one hangs out to unload serious heartaches to friends or just stick around for fun meet-ups, Labeled has undoubtedly increased its popularity. For my friends, it is a venue that bore witness to most of their first tasting (of Jägermeister, Glenfiddich, Jack Daniels, Johnnie Walker, Tecate, Lefe, Stella Artois, Early Times, Heinekin, etc.).

My top pick from the beer matches would be the frequently ordered crispy sticks generously filled with huge slices of probably Labeled's signature cheese mix and served hot with garlic mayo dip. They also serve breakfast meals for starving guests any time of the day.

CHEESE-ooOzzZing STICKS!!

Something about the place makes me feel homey. Firstly, it is situated at very close proximity to the apartment I go home to in Cebu. Secondly, I see familiar places of people from my hometown, Dumaguete. One is the part-owner of the said bar who, in my recollection, happens to be a member of the family who owns Lee Super Plaza, the longest operating mall in my small hometown (see Addendum).* Given these reasons, I seem to confidently make my way into the shop in my usual shirt, pair of shorts, and slippers. I feel that sometimes I get that disapproving look from the crew, although, my frequent visits may have lulled it a bit despite having to be in a crowd of sharply and smartly clothed customers. Tolerance and acceptance, I presume, is achieved by constancy.

I am not an alcohol addict and when I say "frequent" in this article, I mean visits of twice or thrice in a month. I go there not only for the whisky but also for the "cheese sticks" (smiley) and must I say, the carefree ambiance. Labeled does not fall in the category of cheap disco house nor of highly expensive elite bars. It is also not for the foul-mouths, loud and seemingly uneducated crowd. It is for people who hang-out for casual, intelligent, and fun conversations over a bottle of beer, whisky, vodka, or what-have-yous. It is with the latter that me and my group of friends would rather be labeled.

Price Peek (prior to SIN tax):
Johnnie Walker Black (1L) - P1600
Jagermeister (700ml) - P1000
Stella Artois - P120
Red Bull (can) - P180
Soda (can) - P60
Cheese Sticks - P140
Potato Wedges - P150
Sisig - P180

CEBU
LABELED Liquor Store + Bar
Location: Unit 3, Green Orkid Commercial Center at N Escario St., 6000 Cebu City
Contact Information: 
Phone -   2669087
Email  -  labeledlounge@yahoo.com

Opening hours:
Liquor Store - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Bar - 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

View Larger Map
-------
ADDENDUM:
* I just verified the word from a friend that Labeled - Cebu is just a second branch. The other location is in Dumaguete, too. This explains why I somehow feel a little homesick and nostalgic when I am in the bar.

Further Readings: http://www.dumaguetereview.com/listings/labeled/

CEBU
LABELED Bar and Restaurant
Location: Jose Romero Road, City of Dumaguete, Central Visayas
Contact Information: 
Phone    (035) 422.8768
Email    Party@LABELEDLounge.com

The following facilities are available in its Dumaguete location:
* Dance Floor
* White Room (VIP Chill Lounge)
* Private KTV Rooms
* Cafe / Al Fresco
* Liquor Bars

View Larger Map