Breakfast in Cebu is way better in Canvas Bistro

The eggs benedict came in white china, wide square plate with curved sides. The yolk was raring to burst from its sac as hollandaise sauce dripped at one side of the slice of wheat bread and on to the shiny white surface of the plate. The grilled tomatoes, the folded emmental cheese and dark red ham gave a burst of colors to the sunshiny ensemble. Beautiful. I could only gasp in anticipation to the meal unfolding before me as three more dishes came. I grabbed my fork and punctured the pregnant sac of yolk. Thus, my breakfast at Canvas Bistro, Bar & Gallery started.

Canvas just opened it’s latest venue last 20 November at the rising foodie destination in Paseo Saturnino along Maria Luisa Road in Banilad, transferring after more than six years in Ayala Terraces. While most restaurants would rather have a presence at the mall, the restaurant is defying that. Eya Shrimski and Chef Steve, the couple who runs Canvas as well as Circa 1900 credits the neighborhood feel of the area considering that a few high end subdivisions are just nearby. It also has a more relaxed vibe compared to the mall setting.

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The current space used to be a bar but when Canvas was designed, some aspects of the previous establishment was retained. The furnishings and parts of the old Ayala restaurant were also used in the new location thus there’s an element of familiarity. Its also a gallery and its walls feature local artists works. It will cater to small functions and launches as well as art related events.

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Food at Canvas is predominantly Modern Australian cuisine, owing to Chef Steve who is from Down Under, but with an Asian twist as ingredients are both local and foreign and adjusted to suit the local palate. The breakfast/brunch menu has a good selection and ranges from light, like seasonal fruit, coconut yogurt and strawberry calamansi puree to hearty meals that will surely fire up and start your day right! And its the latter that I had for brunch.

I love the citrusy marinade of the beef medallions, although it could have been done more tender. The homemade Australian sausage is how I want it, garlicky and well seasoned that reminds me of the wonderful longanisas of the Ilocos region. But it’s the bacon that I really liked, and who doesn’t? Not as crunchy crisp as expected but there’s an equal distribution of crispiness and softness, where it matters. As for the corn and zucchini fritters it was darn good and tasty and if you’re a vegetarian, this is the dish for you.

The breakfast/brunch offering is something to look forward to but Canvas Bistro Bar & Gallery offers more. There’s sandwiches of which I’m really looking forward to trying their burgers; pasta and risotto dishes, salads and soups, appetizers and more. Do check them out.

Canvas Bistro Bar and Gallery
#1 Paseo Saturnino
Banilad, Cebu City
https://www.facebook.com/CanvasBistroBarGallery/