One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.
~Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright,
Pavarotti, My Own Story
I don't know why food gives such comfort, even if they can't give you hugs or tell you that things will be OK. During the most stressful times of my life, I unconsciously turned to food as a way of rewarding myself for getting through the day. I packed a few pounds, certainly, which is why I am glad that the usual sources of stress are lying low and for now I am able to breathe. But I thank God for food, glorious food, whether its homemade
paksiw or sweet and cheerful cupcakes. Edibles just make my day.
Got these cupcakes and cinnamon bun from Sans Rival. Although I go there for the silvanas and the sizzling beef steak, I didn't know that their cupcakes were also pretty good.
Sans Rival underwent some sort of expansion by opening up a bistro in the house next door. The house sits on a piece of prime real estate since it is located just across the street from the Boulevard and I think the decorators were really successful in integrating the location and the view with the layout of the bistro. The colors are still the trademark Sans Rival white and blue, with bleached white wall trimmings and those lovely, lovely individual wall shelves that hold different kinds of pottery. Sitting there, in stripped blue cushioned chairs made of synthetic rattan, I felt like I was inside a restaurant somewhere in the Mediterranean. And I love the ceilings! The ceilings are high, done in very pale blue-lavender, accented by interesting light fixtures, and they really open up the indoor dining area. The high ceilings are complimented by the large windows and wide doors as well. A lot of people love hanging out outside too, since you still get the comfortable tables and chairs but you get to enjoy fresh air and the gorgeous view of the boulevard and the water.
There's also some interesting pieces of history on the walls, like these photos of the house taken several decades ago. This house really has some history in it.
Food!
The only dish I have tried so far is the beef steak, and I have been there a total of four times. They should call it the sizzling beef steak since they serve it really hot. You have the option of pairing it with rice or mashed potatoes, although I always choose mashed potatoes since the two go so well together. The meat is buttery soft, and the gravy is so full of flavor.
Sans Rival Bistro Dumaguete still serves the pastries they serve at the shop, so there's really no problem if you just want to pop in for a bite of chocolate silvanas (which are soooo good!) and coffee.
