More than just serving gourmet food and the right ambiance,
these restaurants take the overall dining experience to a higher level
Sunday Inquirer Magazine (September 16, 2007)
What makes restaurants awesome? One would say as long as it serves great food. However, “great food” is subjective and it varies with each person's experience and background. To be considered awesome, restaurants have to take the food and overall dining experience to a higher level. Food that leaves an indelible mark in your taste buds, experience that imprints lasting memories in your mind, and ambiance that carves a special place in one's heart for you to share it with every person that you meet.
Each restaurant is carefully chosen to be prestigiously included in this list. Each one serves gourmet food with the freshest ingredients. It combines nature elements, artifacts or a sense of history in its overall ambiance. Simply, these restaurants have a story to tell which spreads out via word-of-mouth. I can proudly say that you can only find these restaurants ONLY in the Philippines.
KUBLI SPRINGS @ KINABUHAYAN CAFé, DOLORES, QUEZON
The road to Kubli Springs is literally a road less traveled where you'll be glad you decided not to drive your sedan car. Flashlights, candles, mobile phones, and the moon are the only source of light. Occasionally, they would put up Christmas lights connected to portable battery source to make the place special. You will find yourself in the middle of the forest, with boulders as your neighbor. The spring water flows through your feet as you look up and appreciate a clear black sky with twinkling dots. You sit on rocks and make shift benches as you smell the steak grilled on the spot. Ah, this is the perfect time to play the acoustic guitar and sing with the barkada without shame and the fear of disturbing anybody.
For P500/ person, you get fresh salad with flowers, grilled steak, Jay's special rice and fruit platter. The meal ends with friendly Lambanog and special roast of Barako coffee. Water is served from a bamboo "faucet" with mineral water coming from the mountains. Drinking and taking a bath from fresh mineral water is one unique experience. Your dining experience is a mixed emotion of satisfaction, fear, and happiness. Somehow, you wished the night will never end.
Related Posts:
Kubli Springs Night @ Viaje del Sol
[Viaje del Sol Series.5] The Charm of Kubli Springs
Kinabuhayan Cafe Bed and Breakfast
Tel (042) 565 6828
Jay +63 917 368 0054
Winston +63 917 327 1106
ANTONIO'S, TAGAYTAY
You'll get excited every time you enter the entrance doors of Antonio's. It is like entering a magical portal to a world where any of the food you choose is something worth raving about. The service feels like you are in a six-star hotel where you don't have to worry about anything. Even going to the restroom is a chance to appreciate nature and its beauty. The positive energy in the place encourages conversation and it bears witness to thousands of memorable life stories.
You don't mind waiting for your food because you know that it is being prepared to perfection. The real flavor of the meat and ingredients stands out without any of the sauce overpowering its taste. Any of the wine selections seems to match with the food that you order. My favorite in Antonio's includes the Salad with Foie Gras, the steaks or sea bass dish, and the soufflé dessert to end the night. I envisioned our silver marriage anniversary to be held in Antonio's because of the food, service and its garden.
Related Posts:
Nothing beats an Antonio's Dinner @ Tagaytay!
Antonio's, Tagaytay -- Still the Best
Antonio's
Mobile No.: +63917-899-2866
UGU BIGYAN, TIAONG, QUEZON
It still continues to be a secret place in the Tiaong area because Ugu never advertises the place. There are no road signs that points you to it and even their neighbors never realized that such place exist. One of the amazing things about Ugu's Pottery Garden Restaurant is that the entire place is a labor of love of the entire family. They designed everything from the huts, layout of the garden, the pottery designs, and its food concept.
Ugu is known for his dishes namely, Kulawo and Lato. Kulawo is charcoal grilled banana heart with a smokey flavor taste and it taste like Tuna while Lato is seaweed in vinegar. Both are traditional Filipino dishes that you seldom find in Metro Manila. It is home cooked Filipino food artistically presented and served in Ugu Bigyan's signature pottery. I do hope it remains to be a secret.
Related Posts:
Ugu Bigyan's
[Viaje del Sol Series.6] Sumptuous Lunch @ Ugu Bigyan!
[Viaje del Sol Series.7] Ugu Bigyan's Pottery Garden Postcards
Ugu Bigyan
Address: 490 Alvarez Village , Brgy Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon
Telefax: +63 42 545-9144
Manila #: +632 250-8416
ISLA NABUROT, GUIMARAS
Isla Naburot resort is like wine – the older it is the more exotic it becomes. Electricity is supplied by solar panels that can only support the incandescent bulbs in the room. Your mobile phone will be lucky to survive after one day because there are no charging stations nearby. All you have to do is swim in the clean beach, play sunka, and spend quality time with the family.
The main attraction is doing nothing and eating gourmet Filipino dishes prepared the traditional way. Fresh seafoods are patiently grilled in a way that their natural juices are kept intact inside the meat. You enjoy each meal with home made sinamak vinegar. Fruits are abundant specially the famous Guimaras mangoes. The taste of the food is enhanced by the fresh air environment and by the love of the people cooking it. It is a foodie heaven and I can’t wait to go back this summer.
Isla Naburot
Mobile #: Ana +63920-9275372
LA COCINA de TITA MONING’S, MANILA
As you enter the gates of this old mansion, you can't help but be transported back to the Old Rich ambiance in the Malacanang area. You are welcomed with drinks and pica pica in the patio before starting with the mini-tour of the mansion. You'll be fascinated with the antiques and the old-fashioned design of the living room, bedroom and especially, the bathroom. The dining area is small enough for a big group to easily dominate with their presence and laughter.
It is a treat to enjoy Spanish food cooked from recipes handed down from generations. You will leave La Cocina raving about its paella and its bread pudding. The former could rival the paella’s in Manila’s Spanish restaurants. The latter tastes like milk bread leche flan that melts in your mouth. The service is slow but sure. What is important is that they serve you with a smile and put every effort to make the experience memorable. I never forgot our La Cocina experience ever since January 2005.
Related Posts:
A memorable dinner @ La Cocina de Tita Moning
La Cocina
Address: 315 San Rafael Street, San Miguel, Manila Philippines
Telephone Number: (632) 734-2141, 734-2146
Mobile #: (63917) 538-3490
Sunday Inquirer Magazine (September 16, 2007)
What makes restaurants awesome? One would say as long as it serves great food. However, “great food” is subjective and it varies with each person's experience and background. To be considered awesome, restaurants have to take the food and overall dining experience to a higher level. Food that leaves an indelible mark in your taste buds, experience that imprints lasting memories in your mind, and ambiance that carves a special place in one's heart for you to share it with every person that you meet.
Each restaurant is carefully chosen to be prestigiously included in this list. Each one serves gourmet food with the freshest ingredients. It combines nature elements, artifacts or a sense of history in its overall ambiance. Simply, these restaurants have a story to tell which spreads out via word-of-mouth. I can proudly say that you can only find these restaurants ONLY in the Philippines.
KUBLI SPRINGS @ KINABUHAYAN CAFé, DOLORES, QUEZON
The road to Kubli Springs is literally a road less traveled where you'll be glad you decided not to drive your sedan car. Flashlights, candles, mobile phones, and the moon are the only source of light. Occasionally, they would put up Christmas lights connected to portable battery source to make the place special. You will find yourself in the middle of the forest, with boulders as your neighbor. The spring water flows through your feet as you look up and appreciate a clear black sky with twinkling dots. You sit on rocks and make shift benches as you smell the steak grilled on the spot. Ah, this is the perfect time to play the acoustic guitar and sing with the barkada without shame and the fear of disturbing anybody.
For P500/ person, you get fresh salad with flowers, grilled steak, Jay's special rice and fruit platter. The meal ends with friendly Lambanog and special roast of Barako coffee. Water is served from a bamboo "faucet" with mineral water coming from the mountains. Drinking and taking a bath from fresh mineral water is one unique experience. Your dining experience is a mixed emotion of satisfaction, fear, and happiness. Somehow, you wished the night will never end.
Related Posts:
Kubli Springs Night @ Viaje del Sol
[Viaje del Sol Series.5] The Charm of Kubli Springs
Kinabuhayan Cafe Bed and Breakfast
Tel (042) 565 6828
Jay +63 917 368 0054
Winston +63 917 327 1106
ANTONIO'S, TAGAYTAY
You'll get excited every time you enter the entrance doors of Antonio's. It is like entering a magical portal to a world where any of the food you choose is something worth raving about. The service feels like you are in a six-star hotel where you don't have to worry about anything. Even going to the restroom is a chance to appreciate nature and its beauty. The positive energy in the place encourages conversation and it bears witness to thousands of memorable life stories.
You don't mind waiting for your food because you know that it is being prepared to perfection. The real flavor of the meat and ingredients stands out without any of the sauce overpowering its taste. Any of the wine selections seems to match with the food that you order. My favorite in Antonio's includes the Salad with Foie Gras, the steaks or sea bass dish, and the soufflé dessert to end the night. I envisioned our silver marriage anniversary to be held in Antonio's because of the food, service and its garden.
Related Posts:
Nothing beats an Antonio's Dinner @ Tagaytay!
Antonio's, Tagaytay -- Still the Best
Antonio's
Mobile No.: +63917-899-2866
UGU BIGYAN, TIAONG, QUEZON
It still continues to be a secret place in the Tiaong area because Ugu never advertises the place. There are no road signs that points you to it and even their neighbors never realized that such place exist. One of the amazing things about Ugu's Pottery Garden Restaurant is that the entire place is a labor of love of the entire family. They designed everything from the huts, layout of the garden, the pottery designs, and its food concept.
Ugu is known for his dishes namely, Kulawo and Lato. Kulawo is charcoal grilled banana heart with a smokey flavor taste and it taste like Tuna while Lato is seaweed in vinegar. Both are traditional Filipino dishes that you seldom find in Metro Manila. It is home cooked Filipino food artistically presented and served in Ugu Bigyan's signature pottery. I do hope it remains to be a secret.
Related Posts:
Ugu Bigyan's
[Viaje del Sol Series.6] Sumptuous Lunch @ Ugu Bigyan!
[Viaje del Sol Series.7] Ugu Bigyan's Pottery Garden Postcards
Ugu Bigyan
Address: 490 Alvarez Village , Brgy Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon
Telefax: +63 42 545-9144
Manila #: +632 250-8416
ISLA NABUROT, GUIMARAS
Isla Naburot resort is like wine – the older it is the more exotic it becomes. Electricity is supplied by solar panels that can only support the incandescent bulbs in the room. Your mobile phone will be lucky to survive after one day because there are no charging stations nearby. All you have to do is swim in the clean beach, play sunka, and spend quality time with the family.
The main attraction is doing nothing and eating gourmet Filipino dishes prepared the traditional way. Fresh seafoods are patiently grilled in a way that their natural juices are kept intact inside the meat. You enjoy each meal with home made sinamak vinegar. Fruits are abundant specially the famous Guimaras mangoes. The taste of the food is enhanced by the fresh air environment and by the love of the people cooking it. It is a foodie heaven and I can’t wait to go back this summer.
Isla Naburot
Mobile #: Ana +63920-9275372
LA COCINA de TITA MONING’S, MANILA
As you enter the gates of this old mansion, you can't help but be transported back to the Old Rich ambiance in the Malacanang area. You are welcomed with drinks and pica pica in the patio before starting with the mini-tour of the mansion. You'll be fascinated with the antiques and the old-fashioned design of the living room, bedroom and especially, the bathroom. The dining area is small enough for a big group to easily dominate with their presence and laughter.
It is a treat to enjoy Spanish food cooked from recipes handed down from generations. You will leave La Cocina raving about its paella and its bread pudding. The former could rival the paella’s in Manila’s Spanish restaurants. The latter tastes like milk bread leche flan that melts in your mouth. The service is slow but sure. What is important is that they serve you with a smile and put every effort to make the experience memorable. I never forgot our La Cocina experience ever since January 2005.
Related Posts:
A memorable dinner @ La Cocina de Tita Moning
La Cocina
Address: 315 San Rafael Street, San Miguel, Manila Philippines
Telephone Number: (632) 734-2141, 734-2146
Mobile #: (63917) 538-3490
KUSINA SALUD, SAN PABLO, LAGUNA
We need to give credit to Kusina Salud for making the Viaje del Sol
travel route popular. It is the "Sonya's Garden" of San Pablo, Laguna
but even better because of its wide selection of gourmet dishes.
Occasionally, you could chat with Nina and Chef Paul Poblador about the
story of Kusina Salud. The place would always smile back anywhere you
point your camera. It combines the odd pieces of furniture and
accessories with different style harmoniously.
For me, the best time to go is breakfast as early as 9am and this
will serve as your jump off point to explore the Laguna and Quezon area.
I long for the hamonado-style longganisa, fried adobo flakes and
banggus belly for breakfast. They serve buffets on special occasions but
I still prefer to order from the ala carte menu. Massage service are
available which would be perfect if you make this your last stop before
heading back to Manila.
Related Posts:
[Viaje del Sol Series.1] Breakfast @ Kusina Salud
[Viaje del Sol Series.1] Breakfast @ Kusina Salud
Kusina Salud
285 Bgy. Sta. Cruz (Putol), San Pablo City, Laguna
Mobile No: Jerome @ +63 921 772-6985
Tel# +632 699-5035 or +63 49 246-6878
Email kusinasalud@yahoo.com
285 Bgy. Sta. Cruz (Putol), San Pablo City, Laguna
Mobile No: Jerome @ +63 921 772-6985
Tel# +632 699-5035 or +63 49 246-6878
Email kusinasalud@yahoo.com
VIEUX CHALET, ANTIPOLO
Operating for more than 20 years, Vieux Chalet remains to be
mysterious. This place is literally a house cum restaurant on top of the
hill in Antipolo. Your patience in looking for this place will be
rewarded by an awesome view of Manila especially at night. It never
failed to impress the people I recommended to go here to celebrate their
special occasion.
What keeps me going back to this place is the passion that Susan
Hassig brings in preparing the food. You'll never forget the taste and
softness of the homemade pasta or the home baked fresh bread and
homegrown cheeses. Some people go to Vieux Chalet for simply the taste
of its refreshing lemongrass drink or to indulge in its version of the
Osso Bucco. This is our favorite hang out if we want to escape and eat
good gourmet food.
Related Posts:
Are you a Vieux Chalet virgin?
Are you a Vieux Chalet virgin?
Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant
Taktak Road, Antipolo City
Tel# +632 697-0396,
Mobile # +63 917 856-5175
Email: srhassig@yahoo.com
Taktak Road, Antipolo City
Tel# +632 697-0396,
Mobile # +63 917 856-5175
Email: srhassig@yahoo.com
CLAUDE TAYAG’s BALE DUTUNG, PAMPANGA
You've never tasted Pampanga cuisine until you have eaten in Claude
Tayag's Bale Dutung house. This is one of those long lunches you love to
have with your friends where you won't even noticed the hours that
passed by. Once you arrived, you will be greeted with a frozen baby
cologne towel and steamed peanuts that will bring back memories of your
childhood years. The entire house is a showroom of Claude Tayag's
creation and a glimpse into his artistic brilliance. You'll never get
tired of wandering around and taking photos at each artistic piece that
you see.
Mr. and Mrs. Claude Tayag will serve you personally with their simple
kapampangan dishes served with an artistic presentation. Also, they
will entertain you with the history of how they built Bale Dutung. My
favorite dishes include the catfish with buro and green mustasa, and
Pampanga's version of the Paella. The meal ends with a simple Paradiso
dessert made of smoked ube, camote, macapuno on sweet Carabao milk
pastillas. After the meal, it is nice to lazy around his house and chat
with Claude Tayag to know him a little deeper before saying goodbye.
CHARLEY'S at LIPA CITY, BATANGAS
I fell in love with the place after seeing the beautiful horses at
Leviste’s Equestrian Farm in Lipa, I usually see the tired horses in
Baguio and in Tagaytay and I never thought of seeing these thorough
breeds in Philippine soil. Lunch or Dinner is courtesy of Les Roche
trained Chef Popit de Leon who is passionate about cooking his foodie
creations either in his Makati Condo or in Charley’s on weekends. Popit
uses the fresh herbs in Charley’s garden as a prerequisite ingredient in
all the food served in the farm. Often times, you’ll get a personal
tour of the entire farm by Charley herself after the meal.
Unfortunately, the place recently closed down its doors to
out-of-town diners. Popit now cooks exclusively in his Makati Condo.
This is a simple tribute and thank you for becoming part of our foodie
memories, accompanied by a wish that hopefully it opens its doors once
again.
Related Posts:
A Charley's Weekend Food Trip cum Foodie EB [Best of Charley's Series 1] The Grand Tour of Charley's [The Best of Charley's #2]
Charley's Food Trip Group [The Best of Charley's #3]
A Charley's Weekend Food Trip cum Foodie EB [Best of Charley's Series 1] The Grand Tour of Charley's [The Best of Charley's #2]
Charley's Food Trip Group [The Best of Charley's #3]
Popit De Leon
Mobile #: +63917-893-1938
Mobile #: +63917-893-1938
ENTALULA ISLAND, EL NIDO, PALAWAN
Just imagine having an exclusive picnic with gourmet food in an
island with white sands that is better than Boracay’s. Entalula island
in El Nido is definitely a piece of paradise that you can enjoy
privately for lunch or dinner. Everything is setup for you and you can
request what food you would like to have. Your imagination is the limit
to how creative you want the experience to be.
It is worth saving for and this is my main motivation for hopefully
going back to El Nido resorts. When you book an El Nido vacation make
sure to reserve the island already for lunch or dinner. Next time, I
would like to spend dinner here with my wife and just lay down in its
pristine white sands with limestone cliffs as backdrop.
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