It was a Saturday of nonstop eating, as how most of our weekends go, whether in town or out.  Bubba surprised me with a lunch date in Tagaytay.  My mind started wandering off, guessing where it was going to be. 

Flavors of Spain

We came to the parking lot of then newly renovated Taal Vista Hotel.  If I tried my darn hardest, I still wouldn’t be able to guess since it was a nomadic food event traveling from Tagaytay to as far as the Pearl Farm in Davao.  This Spanish Food Festival was held in all Fuego-managed properties, Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay, Club Punta Fuego and Terrazas de Punta Fuego in Batangas.  The event brought to us by the Spanish Embassy and Allied Domecq.

 

We had a taste of the different flavors of Spain, the destination where Magellan looted our spices.  Master Chef Mikel Arriet Arruiz from the Basque region of Spain was flown in the country to bring in exceptional cuisine and delightful food.

The usual favorites were gleaming in the buffet table.  Included are seafood paella, callos, bacalao, gazpacho, roasted lamb, garlic shrimps and ensalada.  I noted that the selection was not as many as I expected.  There was also a range of tapas.  The dessert section however was surprisingly Pinoy with a variety of rice cakes, but they also had chocolate and strawberry tarts.

There was a presentation of different Spanish and Pinoy cultural dances.  I was particularly entertained with the fire-eating performance.

As how all buffet goes, we stuffed our faces until we were as huge as hippo faces.  There was an impressive magic show on the side for the kids.  The kids were too smart for the clowns –it was a pity.  Before taking coffee, we went to the Ridge of the hotel and took in the scenery of Tagaytay. 

Nurture Spa

After lunch, we drove around Tagaytay and looked at the different restaurants situated at the hill.  Bubba then took a turn at a small side street going to the more residential area of Yagatyat.  A few more corners and we hit Nurture Spa, which was part of Bubba’s weekend plan.  (A separate post on this!) 

Taaleña

After our relaxing massage, we decided to eat again.  This time I treated him at Taaleña so he can try out the crispy tawilis there.  We ordered that and rice!  Haha.  This was only about 2 hours after our lunch at Taal Vista. 

Bag of Beans

 

Still unsettled over what we ate, we trooped to Bag of Beans –a small coffee sanctuary on the hills of Tagaytay.  Quietly nestling along the main highway in Tagaytay.  A staircase leads you to a beautiful garden and their restaurant.  The Tagaytay ambience fits perfectly with Bag of Beans’ for the vibe the interior gives is charming, sophisticated and intimate. 

The cheesecake of Bag of Beans is one of the best I’ve tasted, which had two layers: not overly sweet whipped cream and a creamy and wonderful cheesecake filling.  The cheesecake flavor wasn’t subtle at all but it wasn’t overwhelming as well.  It had the right consistency of cream and cheese.  The graham crust was not too starchy. The softness was enough to blend with the cheesecake bite.  The thickest sweet blueberry topping spooned over the top made every bite perfect.

We wanted to try the coffee alamid but unfortunately they stopped serving it a year ago, so we settled for the hot chocolate which was a great partner to the heavenly cheesecake. 

 

  

 

Flavors of Spain Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/267

Nurture Spa Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/268

Bag of Beans Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/260