Image credits: Jean Beltran via Cloudinary
It’s my birthday and since it is a special day, a time for celebration and joyful fellowship, my husband and I decided we should go somewhere that is near but we have not visited yet, a place which is also nice at the same time.
It didn’t take long before we both agreed that we must have dinner at this French restaurant. It sounds intimidating especially that we both knew this sounds like a classy place.
Anyway, we brushed off that feeling and decided to go to La Vie Parisienne along Lahug. This blog is about our dining experience at this French bakery, deli, and wine library.
About La Vie Parisienne
Image credits: Jean Beltran via Cloudinary
La Vie Parisienne basically means Parisian life. And true enough, the establishment tells about the Parisian life.
Situated in the busy road of Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu. This French bakery had made its name known throughout the entire city because of its wine library and romantic dining place.
Everyone who thinks about this place would always have the notion of imaging good wine from different places in the entire world. But it does not only offer wine, in fact, but this French-inspired establishment also serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and even coffee! But what's really interesting about it is its beautiful interiors inspired of course by the streets of Paris and its beautiful restaurant.
Image credits: Jean Beltran via Cloudinary
La Vie Parisienne is open to serve their customers and guests from 9:00 AM to 3:00 AM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 4:00 AM on weekends.
By the way, the owner here is the same person who owns the Cebu Safari, Michelle Lhuillier.
La Vie Parisienne Ambiance
Image credits: Jean Beltran via Cloudinary
James passes by this area every single weekday, his office is just a few minutes away from here, in fact, it is just walking distance. We considered walking to the restaurant but ditched that idea after realizing that he has to take me to the IT Park afterward for a Bible Study.
What's really interesting about La Vie Parisienne is its ambiance. From the highway, it is very evident that this is a classy type of dining place. Their clear glass wall shows a preview of what's inside, its full of French bread, a lot of wine and it is just inviting but there's a tendency of thinking that this might be a very expensive place to eat.
Their parking space is located next to it, empty land is dedicated for their guests. We parked and went into the dedicated entrance door which brings the customers and guests directly to their garden.
Image credits: Jean Beltran via Cloudinary
I was already entertained by their huge almost looking like Igloos but with large openings and tables inside them. I can't perfectly explain what those are but they look pretty cool. Next to them are cherry blossoms which would light up in the evening. At the far back is another set of a garden with Indian-huts and comfortable lounges.
But our ultimate goal was to get inside their Paris-inspired restaurant. Upon entering its doors, I felt like I was taken into a different world. There was French bread laid in front of us, I can't figure out how to pronounce each name.
Image credits: Jean Beltran via Cloudinary
I was surprised to realize that these bread really don't cost that much. A piece of Croissant costs Php 50 and the others have an average of Php 50-60 each piece. Then there's another section for meat and cheese then there's the wine area. There were so many of them, in fact, there's a separate room which is dedicated to the entire collection.
A guest can just pick whatever interests him or her and give to the cashier for check out. But one can also drink it inside. Most customers would prefer the latter.
Image credits: Jean Beltran via Cloudinary
My favorite part is definitely the Wine Cellar. It's a new part of the bakery and seriously Instagrammable! In it laid several comfortable office chairs, there were furry ones and elegant furniture.
Video credits: Rhey360 via YouTube
A plant wall border at the end also creates this vibe of nature and industrial ambiance in one. I like the glass walls, they definitely give the Paris vibe and the lights too! There are accents which give you luxury and elegant feel too! I already felt underdressed while I sit-hopped on their wool, leather, wood made chairs.
Food and Pricing
Image credits: Jean Beltran via Cloudinary
Enough with the daydreaming. I wish I could use our camera to take photos but they would only allow mobile phone cameras. As per the staff, the place can be rented for a photoshoot for Php 6500 plus a bond of Php 2000 which will be refundable after the event.
The food here looked elegant as well. I ordered the salad of the day which was just a combination of lettuce and greens but with a slice of French bread with liver spread. James ordered a Beef Caldereta which was not very French but I let him be as he wanted to eat rice.
Image credits: Jean Beltran via Cloudinary
There were drinks around the area, we got a Guyabano Juice in a can and a bottle of water plus a few French breads to pair with such as the croissant, the Cinnamon bread and the Cannele which was really good.
Pricing here is just enough for what you are having most especially the ambiance. It is definitely a good place for a romantic dinner with your partner or perhaps enjoys a chill night with friends having your favorite wine and cheese or maybe grab a cup of Gelato too!
Service
Image credits: Jean Beltran via Cloudinary
While the place is romantic and elegant, I greatly feel like they are missing out on the customer service. Obviously, they retained the bakery set up where customers will have to order at the cashier, pay and wait for their food to be served.
Unlike that of our experience Circa where someone is dedicated to assisting you, take your orders and all, this is the opposite. I was actually in line, waiting for my turn to pay our bread and drinks while our food was already becoming cold at the table.
I don't know why but I felt like this was not right. I hope they could improve on that side. But I guess the other building has another type of dining experience compared to this part here.
Overall
Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders
As a conclusion, we love La Vie Parisienne's food, the ambiance, the very elegant and good experience with its interiors and most especially their evening set up with all the lights, but for the staff and service part, they need improvement.
Overall, those who want to grab a bottle of wine and experience how to feel like being in Paris without flying out of Cebu City could surely come here. They got almost everything from bread, to cheese, to Gelato, to pizza and wine so everyone can get whatever they need in terms of dining.
Thank you for reading and participating in this Querlo Chat about restaurants!
---------------------------
About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast.
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.
