Back to Reviews

Filipino food at Nisqually Hill

Dive into the exotic

Lacey’s Cebu brings the exotic flavors of the Phillipines to the South Sound. Photo credit: Jason de Paul

Email Article Print Article Share on Facebook Share on Reddit Share on StumbleUpon

Announcer: One of the benefits of living on the Pacific Rim is the access to amazing foods on both sides of the world's biggest ocean. We are blessed with Asian and Island specialties prepared by those with ties to the regions they present. Cebu, a mainstay at the top of the Nisqually Hill in Lacey brings homespun delicacies from the Philippines, and does so with expertise.

Jake: Driving down I-5 to the often-overlooked Nisqually exit, and cutting through a gas station parking lot to find a place to eat tucked between a tea shop and cleaners may not seem like the ideal path to great food.  But if you are looking for some original and authentic Filipino cuisine, then CEBU is the right location.

Jason: It is simply a truth in the South Sound, you cannot judge a menu by its cover.  Blink and you'd miss Cebu.  Even if you stop to look at it, you might think twice that good food can exist in, frankly, an ugly location.  But, going inside and dining, you'll soon overlook the area to keep going back for more.

Jake: I love it when you walk into a place and are instantly greeted with the aroma of food, especially when it's sweet and spicy all at once.  And once it gets in your head, you'll want to eat right away.  

Jason: Which is a little challenging because things don't move fast at Cebu.  I love the place, but I only go when I have time.  It's worth the wait, but wait you will.

Jake: I make certain to order the lumpia; these little Filipino egg rolls are packed with seasoned ground pork, and then deep fried to a crispy perfection.  As if it couldn't get any better, they are served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.

Jason: Growing up in the region and having Filipino friends, many of us get to know lumpia and just how awesome they are.  Tighter than an eggroll, and more fragrant in ginger and spice, Cebu serves a comparable one, and yes, always worth revisiting each time you go.

Jake: One of the best things I think I've ever eaten is the Pacific-styled baby back ribs.  These ribs are tender, juicy and fall right off the bone.  And different from the standard BBQ-styled ribs, these are drenched in a sweet chili sauce with fresh sautéed onions.  

Jason: Cebu's Filipino pollo arroz caldo is packed full of large ginger strips, visible amounts of saffron - which is surprising since saffron isn't exactly cheap - and whole, soft garlic cloves - such fragrant, steaming hot goodness. The pinakbet had both prawns and pork. Never thought of combining those two, but it was great. Chunks of ultra dense and buttery squash, whole four-inch long okra, and long green beans were cooked with eggplant and ampalya.

Jake: Though off the main drag occupied by most restaurants, there is good reason that Cebu just hit the 15 years in business mark this past week.  Great service and even better food is sure to keep customers coming for many more years.

CEBU, 9408 Martin Way E., Lacey, 360.455.9128

Read next close

Music

Breaking up

comments powered by Disqus