Fresh Start’s Lanai restaurant opened its doors to the public on December 8, 2021, and although I wasn’t able to visit on that day, I took the opportunity to meet up with a friend during the weekend, a few days after it welcomed customers to its quaint dining place.
LANAI by Fresh Start is a unique al fresco dining setup. “Surrounded with tropical plants, the Lanai offers a tranquil and close-to-nature dining experience,” said owner Ramon “Chinchin” Uy, Jr.
As soon as I entered the venue, I was instantly taken by the relaxing vibe of its environs. LANAI by FreshStart is a casual dining farm-to-table restaurant that uses produce of organic farmers, local artisans, and Negrense culinary heritage with an all-natural menu “made from scratch” and highlights local “ark of taste” ingredients— endangered, local heritage food, unique in taste, and are a part of a distinct eco-region.
The array of Lanai menu is curated by Chef Patrick Go, a notable chef in the Manila food scene who has Negrense roots. A LANAI highlight to look out for is its foraged drinks and cocktails made from local spirits, liquors, and ingredients from Negros, created by its partner, Chef Kalel Demetrio – a liquid chef advocating farm-to-glass principle. Desserts, on the other hand, are prepared by Chef Gab Melocoton of the Slow Food Youth Network.
“Our menu is seasonal because it is based on the produce available at our organic farm. We take pride in serving our customers only with the highest quality of organic and natural ingredients, with no shortcuts, no MSG (monosodium glutamate), and no artificial coloring or flavoring,” Uy stressed. “Our dishes contain plant-based ingredients. Our cold-pressed juices are made purely of organic fruits and vegetables, and are sweetened by natural and wholesome sweeteners. All our dressings are made entirely from scratch. Our cheese is 100% locally made in Negros. Our meat is free from growth hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs (genetically modified organisms),” he added.
LANAI by Fresh Start is open from 11 a. m. to 8 p. m. on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 11 a. m. to 9 p. m. on Fridays to Sundays. Meanwhile, the Fresh Start Organic Natural Store & Cafe is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p. m. on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p. m. Fridays to Sundays. Both the Cafe and Lanai are situated beside May’s Organic Garden and at the back of Fresh Start Organic Natural Store & Cafe, which are located on Corner Araneta Highway, Bangga Sitio Aning in Barangay Pahanocoy. Moreover, new developments occur in the restaurant, whether in its menu or property, so it’s worth a visit every now and then to check its new offerings.
Started in 2005, Fresh Start is one of the pioneer organic farm, stores, cafes, and restaurants based in Negros Occidental. It is a staunch supporter of both the organic and the slow food movements, and an advocate for a healthy lifestyle and use of organic, natural and local ingredients.
