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AS SOME people love to smoke, a unique restaurant has been opened in Cagayan de Oro to give its clients a completely satisfying gastronomic experience in between puffs.

Turquoise Al Fresco, located at SM City Cagayan de Oro, has specifically created Turquoise Shisha Corner, the first-ever of such kind in the city that offers a very popular Middle Eastern smoking tradition that comes in different flavors.

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Smokers who want a “different kind of smoking” can visit the Shisha Corner and try its huge pipe called hookah instead of the regular cigarette, which uses a small charcoal tablet that gently heats a special flavor-infused tobacco blend.

Shalimer Alonto, manager of Turquoise Al Fresco, said Shisha smoking began hundreds of years before the invasion of big American cigarette companies.

“The tobacco never burns but is filtered as it is drawn through the water filled, hand blown glass base and inhaled through ornate, embroidered hoses where the vapor is smooth, sweet and aromatic,” Alonto said.

She said clients can enjoy a “very relaxing kind of smoke” that can be shared by friends in between cups of tea or coffee and a good ambiance outside the mall.

Alonto said Shisha proves to be a relaxing and peaceful pursuit as it is very light and flavorful with a fruity aroma with less nicotine compared to local cigarettes.

CAGAYAN DE ORO. Ivy Guantero, public relations officer of SM City Cagayan de Oro, tries on the hookah pipe complete with “costumes” offered at the Shisha Corner of Turquoise Al Fresco. (Joey P. Nacalaban)

For only P150, customers can choose different flavors such as mint, orange, apple, pineapple, chocolate and other flavors that can be consumed up to two hours or more “of peaceful Shisha smoking.”

Alonto said this ancient water pipe that she purchased from Turkey has been used for centuries to smoke away the day’s stress while relaxing with friends and family.

“When you smoke Shisha, you have time to think as it teaches you patience and tolerance and gives an appreciation of good company. Shisha smokers have much more balanced approach to life than cigarette smokers,” Alonto said.

Complementing the Shisha experience at Turquoise Al Fresco are a choice of Maranao cuisines straight from Marawi City and other delectable Turkish delights that can satisfy one’s cravings for spicy food and shawarma.

Alonto said the setting gives an ambiance similar to the Arab countries as Turquoise Al Fresco also allows the customers to wear “national costumes” for them to experience a “complete different world.”

Alonto said the Shisha corner has become a hit especially to group of friends who want to make a difference since it opened in December.

However, she said they always abide with their policy not to encourage minors aged 18 years old and below to try Shisha.

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on January 04, 2011.

Restaurant offers Shisha