Gumbology Restobar

Early this year I was invited to this new place located in City Times Square right across Parkmall. The location is one of the many arcade-type structures here in Cebu. The Managing Director, Miss January graced as with her presence during the food tasting. Gumbology opened it's door late last year and has been open to the public since their Grand Opening last January 18th.

Interiors
The place is spaced widely with tables for 4, 8 and a large table al fresco. Furniture are purely locally made as well as their napkin and toothpick holders. It's the minute details that makes it personal.

What I noticed when I got in were the paintings. The owner's British husband paints and can you tell me who  these personalities are?

Food

Peasant bread with butter. Freshly and locally baked bread seasoned with salt and perfect for the creamy butter. The bread can be used as your sponge for the gumbo. Best dipped in soup.

Watermelon shake, made to order. Produce is from local growers and delivered daily to ensure freshness and maintain high quality.

Mixed Greens vivid with colors and full of nutrients. A great way to start the gumbo feast.

What is Gumbo?

Originally from Louisiana, this strongly flavored stew is made out of meat and vegetables. If you watched Top Chef New Orleans, one of the contenders for the reality cooking show showcased the Trinity in Cajun cuisine. This is the same for gumbo, the trio consists celery, bell peppers and onions. To thicken the stock, some type of thickener is used: in Africa they use okra while others like the French use a base made out of flour and fat. This is the official cuisine of Lousiana.

Gumbology created a menu that would showcase local meat, vegetables without compromising the real essence of the dish. True to its nature, you can expect okra in every bowl of gumbo. A first in Cebu and hopefully not the last. 

Adobo Gumbo, this by far is my favorite. A wonderful take on the local adobo pumped up with Louisiana flavors! Pork so tender and juicy. The stock is so flavorful that you would want to add rice to your meal. It's satisfying on its own. Great with rice or with the peasant bread.

Beef Gumbo, packed with tender beef cuts and slices of Andouille sausage. Let's not forget the okra, bell pepper, onions and a few more vegetables like carrots and parsley. Stock is just the right consistency, not to thick and not too thin. 

Big Easy, my favorite as this is the seafood type. Squid rolls, crab claws, shrimp heads, scallops and cream dory makes this one an under the sea experience. Pardon the pun! I loved this one as the sauce is thick from all the salty goodness of the ocean. Fresh and absolutely easy on the tummy. I lost count on how many times I asked for servings of this.

Coco Shrimp Tempura, a wonderful play of texture. Fresh shrimp dipped in desiccated coconut and fried til golden. Sweet and salty! How amazing is that? The bed of salad consists of shredded green mango, pepper, cucumber and  pepper! 

Chicken Empanada served with salsa on the side. I loved the Salsa Verde consisting of tomato, bell pepper and pineapple. The Salsa Roa is made with tomato, onion, red wine vinegar and lemon which is a bit sour. I didn't realize that empanadas go well with salsas. This was a first for everyone and it was a lovely surprise. I could not get enough of the Salsa Verde that I asked for a second serving. It was soo good. 

Pizza options are Hawaiian and Meatlovers. Thin crust and you have the option to have it extra crispy, just inform the staff of your preference. 

Crème brûlée. Hard top, creamy and soft texture. Just right to end the night.  

What a wonderful way to start the year right. New cuisine to satisfy my hunger for new food and culture. I recommend the place for a new gastronomic experience. Let's try to be adventurous and it surely pays to be so. Head out to Gumbology for some good gumbo and great fun! Location is not that hard to find. Just head out to Parkmall Cebu and drive across the new arcade and you won't miss it. The staff is absolutely amazing and the food is worth a try! :)

Gumbology Restobar
City Times Square across Parkmall Cebu
Mandaue, Cebu City
Open daily from 10AM to 3AM.
Like them on Facebook: Gumbology Restobar