Elevate 88 recently opened Cebu’s first progressive dining concept named CUR8 in Banilad Town Centre, Cebu City which is offering its own version of all-day dining of modern Asian cuisine.
JP Chiongbian, president of Elevate 88, said the lack of progressive dining venues in the city propelled him and his partners to create one, especially since Cebuanos and businesses are back from the two-year lockdown.
This new concept, according to Chiongbian, was conceived in 2017. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic happened in 2020, stalling the group’s planned opening.
CUR8 pushes the boundaries of modern cuisine by presenting unique versions of classic Asian dishes, Chiongbian said. At the same time, the bar aims to introduce Happy Hour culture to the city.
“We pride ourselves in creating original concepts for Cebu, like an all-day progressive dining experience,” said Chiongbian. “When 4 p.m. begins, we introduce to Cebu – and a culture we all need in our community – a ‘happy hour’ to decompress from work, and to network,” he said.
CUR8 opens its doors at 11 a.m. By 2 p.m. customers may move on to coffee, tea and pastries. Cocktails are served at 4 p.m. when Happy Hour begins, and the restaurant shifts to serving quality dinners. At half past 9 p.m. the lights go dim, creating the nightlife mood. It closes its doors at 12 midnight.
Chiongbian said such a dining concept would allow them to capture different crowds with their different offerings and an ambiance that gradually changes over time.
He is confident that despite a muted season as consumers spend cautiously due to rising inflation, the dining scene in Cebu will continue to remain vibrant as food and beverage remain an important part of Filipino culture.
“No matter what your mood is, you will always look for a venue to celebrate, unwind or destress,” he said.
Chiongbian added that they’ve also come up with good price points and serve food for sharing since Cebuanos usually dine in groups.
Chiongbian has tapped the culinary expertise of Christian Bernard and the interior design expertise of Kathrynn Dawn Sy, a rising architect, to execute “the progressive dining theme” of CUR8.
Moving forward, Elevate 88 plans to open more themed-dining concepts in Cebu.