Our discussions mostly revolve around work nowadays.  Yapping about work in the car, over dinner or while at events.  We are too tired to even think of anything else aside from work.  On the side, I have to attend to a lot of responsibilities at home too.  After weeks of us both being overly worked at the office, Bubba suggested that we should take a day out just for the two of us.  He asked me to block my Sunday.

Sunday, I thought we were going malling, which other than last Sunday afternoon, we haven’t done in quite a while (months!).  You know, go to a mall, window shop, people watch, eat whatever.  It’s quite mundane but I was pretty excited about it.

He called me just about before he picked me up and told me to bring a jacket because we were going to Tagaytay.  I asked if he was serious because it was raining.  The drive was short and fun, singing (other people would categorize it as shouting) along with the iPod.  We arrived at 12nn in time for our lunch reservation at Buon Giorno.

The rain has stopped (the snow has passed nyuk nyuk).  Sitting comfortably at the Opium area, we studied Buon Giorno’s extensive menu.  Celebrity spotting: Geli de Belen and Ariel Rivera with family. 

On the Table:

Focaccia Bread (Free)

Zuppa di Zucca Arrosto (split into two) PHP 134

Thick and creamy roasted pumpkin soup complimented the cold weather.

Tini Vino (1 bottle)

Semi-sweet Spanish wine which is cheaper to order by the bottle than glass.  Joel, our table attendant, was kind enough to check the different wines available.  Other than the food, his accommodating attitude and earnestness make me want to go back that afternoon to snack on pizza. 

Pescatora alla Puttanesca PHP 286

An assortment of seafood on spicy and peppery tomato sauce served with linguini pasta.   

Carre de Agnello Con Salsa Al Vino Rasso PHP 554

Herb-crusted roasted rack of lamb with red wine sauce.  4 racks of lamb that was done medium well as arranged were cooked perfectly.  The mashed potato that was served with it can use a little pepper but we were very happy with the lamb.

 

Halfway through our meal, we had to transfer inside the restaurant because it started raining.  The direction of the rain was towards the veranda.  After our lovely Sunday lunch, we stopped for Quezo ice cream the Fruit in Ice Cream shop next door.  FIC serves the best quezo ice cream in Manila and Tagaytay.

Sonya’s Pampering Salon

I’ve visited Sonya’s Garden Restaurant a few times already but never tried any of their spa services.  I’ve read one review about it online.  Their services range from facials to body scrubs to full body massages.  I conservatively decided to get the Swedish massage (PHP 675) while Bubba had the Tuina (Chinese) massage (PHP785).  The couple’s room is an extra PHP100 for the hour.  Additional charges apply for additional stay.

The couple’s room is about 20 sqm with two beds and a shower.  Bubba had a male masseuse this time, Fernan.  The hour felt short.  I guess we’re used to 1 hr 30 mins to 2-hour massages.  Bubba was very much happy with his masseuse.  Fernan didn’t apply force but he knew which target points to hit.  Tuina was more on point pressure and Fernan applied it to the right spots and new spots according to Bubba.

While drinking the tea served at the receiving area, we saw familiar faces.  Carlo and Mika of Ahavia!  Bubba finds those two really cute and sweet.

Sonya’s Garden Restaurant and Country Bed and Breakfast is located at Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite 4123, Cavite Philippines.  Contact them at 09175335140/09285073300.

Manos Greek Tavern

After our massage, we were hungry again so we decided to get a little snack before heading to Manila.  We tried to look for Sanctuario Tagaytay that was supposed to be near 7-11, but we didn’t find it.  After passing by, Mile Hi Diner, Bag of Beans and Manos Greek Tavern, the car made a u-turn and stopped at Manos, where we had lamb gyro PHP110 and baked macaroni PHP 160. 

We reached Manila by 7pm and heard Mass in Magallanes, St. Alphonsus Church.  After mass, we decided to stop by Greenbelt to watch a movie and grab dinner.  Since the movie schedule starts at 930-950 for the Mummy, we decided to go home and watch it instead the next day.  At Greenbelt, we saw Tee Dee with a new boyfriend and she looks happy.  And we are happy for her.  God has blessed me and Chris with this relationship we’ve always prayed for and our hearts wish the same for everyone.

Link: http://www.sonyasgarden.com

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/536/08_0803-_Buon_Giorno_Tagaytay

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/537/08_0803-_Sonyas_Pampering_Salon

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/538/08_0803-_Manos_Greek_Tavern

(Source: http://www.nurture.com.ph/index.php)

One of the pioneers in the Philippine spa industry, Nurture Spa is a Dept of Tourism accredited spa chain. Nurture Spa is located in Tagaytay City , with branches in CWC Watersports Complex, Camarines Sur, Buri Resort & Spa in Puerto Galera, and Nurture Spa in Abe’s Farm, Magalang, Pampanga.

Proudly Filipino, Nurture Spa offers its guests exquisite spa and wellness experiences in selected tropical destinations around the country. Each wellness destination boasts of a unique Nurture Spa treatment reflecting the indigenous customs and healing traditions of the region, in addition to tried and tested Nurture Spa favorites.

Nurture Spa therapists, selected on the basis of their healing attitude, are trained to the highest standards by internationally licensed trainers. Its signature massage oils are of the finest quality, created from age-old healing recipes that have been further perfected to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

With spa therapies inspired by Asian and Filipino healing traditions, Nurture Spa was created to provide its guests with the Nurture Spa Experience: a blissful combination of healing and pampering at its best. 

October 20, 2007.

 

Very relaxed right after a massage.

Ifugao Hut Overnight 18 Hours PHP 2,240

–Naturally ventilated 

Serenity Cottage Overnight 18 Hours PHP 2,800

–Air-conditioned  

Book your reservation at 8392196/09175518723.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/268/07_1020-_Nurture_Spa   

Since we were passing by Yagatyat (Joyce’s version) or Tagaytay, on the way to Batangas, and we were hungry, we decided to stop over at Carlo’s Pizza for a late dinner.  The first time I tried Carlo’s Pizza was about 3 years ago when Paolo and I ate at their branch in Tagaytay after coming from the Open House in Playa, Calatagan.  The second time was within the same year but it was at their branch in Baguio.  I was surprised they already had a branch in Baguio.  Anyhoo, Carlo, who is now an ex of my friend Ann, owns it.  The first time I met Carlo was during a gig at Manila Polo Club, where he picked up Ann, after the stint. 

On the Table:

Soft Taco PHP 89

Soft flour tortilla with ground beef, salsa, lettuce, and cheddar cheese, which was bland and lifeless

Chicken Fingers and Fries PHP 185

Chicken strips in their special seasoned breading, deep fried to golden brown, served with gravy & ranch dressing and slim French fries.  I liked it, crusty and tasty that I can finish the whole basket on my own. 

Quattro Formaggi (Half) PHP 395

Sardinia (Half, 12”) PHP 375

Carlo’s Sampler 2 PHP 150

Chicken fingers, spaghetti and garlic bread.  This was Mher’s order. 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/451/08_0523-_Carlos_Pizza_-Tagaytay   

After the heavy meal at King’s place, we decided to stop over at Fire Lake Grill less than an hour later to grab dessert.  Returning to Manila via Tagaytay, it’s really a must to stopover the Cliffhouse ridge.

We arrived at Fire Lake Grill past 1pm when it started drizzling.  I felt that the waiter wanted us to order more and get something other than dessert when I already told him that we were only having desserts.  I’m not sure but his facial reaction kinda rubbed me the wrong way that it turned me off to order anything else.

Pineapple Carpaccio with Malibu Rum and Pink Peppercorn PHP 180++

(Served without dessert spoons.  I had to ask for one.) This is such a sunshine dessert in contrast with the weather outside that day.  Bubba liked the coconut ice cream and the sweet tuile cup where the ice cream was dished in.

Fire Lake Grill is located at Unit 3, Cliffhouse Tagaytay, Gen. Aguinaldo Hi-way Cavite.  You can contact them at 4132069 or 09279144604.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/454/08_0524-_Fire_Lake_Grill

We stopped over Mr. Moo Tagaytay to buy pasalubong for my mom.

Yummy Pastillas!!!

Whereas, Bubba ordered fresh milk.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/455 (Mr Moo)

Friday night was made to be a slow one with a simple dinner plan and DVD night.  Little did I know that the dinner would hype me up.  We always see the Sanctuario Tagaytay restaurant whenever we are in Metrowalk.  I have always made a mental note to eat here but never gotten around to it.  My officemate Karen Z mentioned this restaurant a few times because her boyfriend John really raves about their arroz caldo.  I am not a fan of arroz caldo but it piqued my interest that an arroz caldo can actually have that effect on someone.  I can only deduce that the restaurant must be something.

You step into a quaint restaurant surrounded by deep red walls.  There are about 8-9 wooden tables that can comfortably accommodate 30 people.  The wooden benches are unique pieces of furniture that carries with it an Asian charm.  Throw pillows with flower designs and the dim lights make for a chill back atmosphere.  One wall is decorated with golden peacocks and grapes metal fixtures.  A few photos of their dishes hang on the wall.  A red lamp in one corner, three roosters on 1 ledge and an Indian head on another completes the look.  The door of their kitchen is the traditional brown oak swinging doors with a peephole.  A small duck is amusingly perched on top of the door.

Sanctuario becomes a hotspot lounge on Fridays when the after-work crowd kicks off the weekend with good food.  There were only two tables free when we came in for our 9pm dinner.  A lady approached us and sweetly offered their table (used by her family) as she saw my nose crinkled at our table location.  Actually, I really had sniffles that day, allergy of some sort.  I gently declined and said we were okay with our table.  When one of the larger tables got vacated, right on cue, we were transferred to a more comfortable location. 

Operation hour is Monday-Saturday 11am to 11pm, while Sunday 9am-11pm.  Sanctuario is located in Metrowalk near Pancake House.  This Sanctuario Tagaytay apparently is an extension branch of the one in Tagaytay, which I learned from the owner. 

On the Table:

 

Hot Chocolate P60

Bubba was surprised that this was served in an espresso cup.  He enjoyed every slurp that had pieces of chocolate powder reminiscent to chocnut texture.

Sanctuario Pate Platter P120

5 kinds of pate sliced like mini-cheesecakes: roasted garlic and cheese, liver pate, quezo, salted egg and smoked bangus with cream cheese.  Delectable pates.  I especially liked the roasted garlic and cheese combo that had a good hint of garlic but not too pungent.  I also loved the quezo pate, which tasted like keso de bola with bits of pimiento and the smoked bangus that blended well with cream cheese.  Salted egg pate was something new to try and was also likeable as the saltiness of the egg is contrasted against the sweetness of sun-dried tomato and olive oil.  

Pan de Sanctuario P25

Single serving means 4 pieces of their soft warm medium-sized pandesal.  Freshly baked!  I’ve heard people rave about their raisin bread so that’s a definite must try next time!

Adobo Tostado P145

Chicken adobo stripped, similar to adobo flakes but with more meat into it.  Deep fried to a crisp and served with egg, diced tomato with bagoong and rice fried in its sauce.  It wasn’t salty and the crispy flakes are not too frail that it crumbles.  It’s chunky but crispy.  Just as I was getting a tad bored with my conversation with the adobo, the sweet and spice of the bagoong tells me a different story that perked my interest.  The rice could use a little more soy flavor but overall, I was a happy eater.

Bulalo Pasta P280

This is the house specialty.  I wanted to order Lamb chops since I was craving for one.  The combination and name made us hesitate in ordering it but the adventure eater in us won and we gave it a go –I am so glad that we did.  The pasta was good but it was the bulalo that took the spotlight.  Meat was so lovingly tender (yes, I know it sounds like a song) and exploded with flavors.  Bubba frowns at me as I ate the bone marrow.  Yes, that soft yellow jelly substance, which is the crowning jewel of a bulalo.  That gave me a rush –a tingling feeling at the back of my neck.  Ooooh.  Maybe it’s only high blood *shrugs* I don’t know.  As Original Sin quotes, “Live a short life… but an exciting one.”

Right from the start, diners can easily fall in love with the attractive Oriental décor and refreshingly imaginative cuisine.  A third ingredient of Sanctuario’s success is the inviting atmosphere.  Part owner Carol Reyes greets every patron with genuine pleasure and is quick to turn newcomers into friends.

Of course the real star at Sanctuario Tagaytay remains to be the food.  The menu emphasizes fresh ingredients, used simply to let the flavors come through. 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/442/08_0516-_Sanctuario_Tagaytay  

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

I called Café Verbena to reserve a table for two on January 5, 2008. It was my birthday dinner treat for Bubba. Saturday traffic at the South Expressway almost dampened our mood, but a relaxing vibe embraces you as you walk in the 80-seat restaurant of Café Verbena. Decorated in soft Tuscan tones and elegant drapery, Café Verbena maintained that Discovery Suites’ sophisticated look. Our reserved table was located at their enclosed veranda, where one can feel the soft whimper of the night breeze.

Amuse Bouche of Bread, Butter and In-house Salsa

A good opening to what was going to be a very delightful dinner.

Soup of the Day PHP 110++The soup of that night was pumpkin soup, which is one of our favorite flavors of liquefied starter course. We had to ask the waiter to split into two, which he courteously obliged to. The pumpkin flavor was evident in the soup with a dollop of cream to enhance the flavor.

Organic Mozzarella Cheese Pot PHP 240++

Since we are such cheese lovers, we had to order this. Served ‘fondue-style” in an earthy pot, the cheese serving wasn’t bad at all. Spicy tomato relish and fresh Tagaytay herbs were added to the cheese mixture. It was served with warm focaccia. We had to ask for extra since we finished the bread first before the cheese.

Verbena’s Sampler Plate PHP 650++

We are so ecstatic to try everything on the menu since we traveled all the way from Manila just for dinner. Instead of ordering too many dishes that we might just not finish, we ordered the sampler plate with three small samplings of Verbena’s top entrées. We shared the dish and the price was well worth it.

BBQ Lamb Baby Back Ribs

Nothing too extraordinary. Lamb ribs basted with sweet and spicy barbeque paste. This was served with Polenta fries. I think Polenta is some type of corn mush, which was also eaten as staple by Survivor Africa contestants. Polenta is also used in cornbreads as partner to Chili Con Carne.

Grilled Norwegian Salmon with Arugula-Mushroom Salad

I personally enjoyed the salmon among the rest because the salmon was tasty and juicy. Plus the crispy skin of the salmon is unforgettable –I want to order this again if only for the salty crackling skin. I wanted to steal Bubba’s share of the salmon skin but restrained myself.

U.S. Beef Short Ribs “Goulash”

Short ribs slowly cooked with roasted onion and caraway sauce. This was served with potato puree, which is something similar to mashed potato.

Black Pepper Fettuccini PHP 260++

This was the dish we were least happy about. It almost ruined the whole experience. Since I love black pepper (Bubba even teases me that my food looks like it has sand on it every time I put fresh ground pepper –yes, I put that much pepper), I was intrigued by how this dish will turn out. This pasta dish was served with smoked bacon, roasted garlic and portabello mushrooms. However, the other ingredients failed to integrate and the pasta didn’t have a unified taste.

Overall, the dinner was exquisitely enjoyed. Café Verbena is one of the classiest restaurants in the hills of Tagaytay, which is a definite place for romantic ambience. Hats off to Executive Chef David Pardo de Ayala for bringing his cooking expertise learned from the Culinary Institute of America to Discovery Country Suites

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/327/08_0105-_Cafe_Verbana

Café Verbena

Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay

300 Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay

6838222

http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/265/07_1022-_T-House_Tagaytay

Intro: Soup

The soup was served as shooters. It was a weird way to take in soup but I’m up for anything new. We can order 2 choices of soup each. Although I suggested that Bubba get the Wild Mushroom as a safety starter, we decided to try all four. I had the Tomato and Wild Mushroom, while he had the Carrot and Coriander and Broccoli and Almonds. Tomato soup tasted like smashed tomato without the skin –it needed a little more flavor. Wild mushroom was the best among the four soups. The Carrot and Coriander probably comes in second only because Bubba likes anything that tastes curry –the presence of the Coriander made this possible. The Broccoli wasn’t bad but it tasted like a nutty Broccoli puree.

1^st Stanza: Salad Bubba sang Tuna Citrus Salad while I duet with the T-house Signature salad. We both enjoyed our salads, which saved our palettes from the not so impressive intro.

Chorus: Entrée I immediately ordered the Spiced Chicken on Grilled Vegetables with Pesto dressing and Pesto Pasta, leaving the problem of ordering another worthwhile entrée to Bubba. The Spiced Chicken is the specialty of the house so how wrong can I go? I suggested that Bubba orders the Salmon since the Wasabi Mash that goes with it was intriguing. Unfortunately, it was well-ordered the night before so they were out of it when Bubba ordered. Bubba made me choose between a Rack of Pork Sauced with Caramelized Onions served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes or the Fish dish.

The Spiced Chicken was tender but kinda lacked more spice flavor. We are biased because nothing beats Jay’s (Jay’s Kinabuhayan Café) Spiced Chicken. We have only eaten 1/3 of the Entrée when we looked at each other and called it quits. I guess we shouldn’t have eaten a huge breakfast back at my place.

Extro: Dessert

Banana-Nangka Crumble was served on a small ceramic container where Crème Brulee is usually served. Bubba was not much fun of Langka but I loved Langka. Too bad it played a very small part in the dessert. We liked the crumble on top, same texture as the crumble crust atop an Apple Pie. The Banana Nangka was not too sweet.

T-house is a great escape nestled in the hills of Tagaytay or what I better call Yagatyat.

 

Great day at Tagaytay Highlands.

 Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/36/Tagaytay_Highlands