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Buffet Lunch at Sonya’s Garden

January 23, 2012 in Personal Thoughts, Restaurants, Tagaytay by admin | No comments

Almost a month after our college mini-reunion, I’m still craving for Sonya’s Garden buffet lunch. BIG TIME.

I’ve been to Sonya’s twice already. First was in 2009 during C and I’s first out-of-town trip to try their spa treatments. We went back a year later to buy some “pasalubong” spanish bread in their bakery. Both times we did not eat nor stayed there overnight. I wasn’t really interested to try their in-house food simply because I’m not really a fan of vegetables and “healthy” food. When in Tagaytay, the first food that comes to mind is that ever-sinful-but-super-yummy-BULALO.

So when I had this opprotunity to experience what dining is Sonya’s is about, I was so excited. Moreso, it’s my chance to reconnect with my college buddies who I haven’t seen in years!

We were there on a Sunday on a long weekend and the place was packed. Good thing, we had prior reservations so even if we were late for about an hour, we were immediately seated. Upon entering Sonya’s Garden’s dining hall, we were already awed by the cool ambience and relaxed vibe. White is the motif of the hall and even the tablecloths are white. I kept on thinking, they must have a hard time with the laundry. hehe.

the plates and table set-up at Sonya's Garden evokes lots of space, air, and nostalgia. Can't help but wonder how they laundry the sheets to achieve this!

We were served Dalandan Juice which is the most refreshing juice of it’s kind I have ever tasted. I don’t really like dalandan because it’s too bitter for my taste but this one’s so refreshing and a little sweet. Please note that everything that will be served to us are refillable so I think I gulped 5 glasses of this throughout our lunch. Hehe.

The next thing served in our table is the salad. I didn’t see any rose petals in there but our greens came with a whole lot of different “sides” such as fruits, nuts, egg, etc. I don’t really like eating greens but the ones served to us are really fresh and super delicious. I could probably eat this the whole day!

I love the veggie salad. Served separately so you can choose which ones you like to enjoy your salad

The pasta spread - either of the red and white sauce is so delicious! I also love the salmon belly!

: dessert is taragon tea and chocolate cake – perfect with fresh mint leaves!

I loooooove everything that were served for us. Leaves you a full, refreshed feeling afterwards – without the guilt, mind you! I will definitely go back. For Php 650 per head, it’s all worth a try.

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Tags: lunch in tagaytay, sonya's garden, Tagaytay

Fri-Date @ Chef’s Table

March 12, 2011 in Metro Life, Restaurants by admin | 1 comment

Ever since I transferred jobs, C and I make it a point to meet every Friday night for our weekly-extra-special dates. I was feeling low and uninspired the past few days so C planned a very special dinner for us both.

Good thing Friday nights are my “cheat nights.” Meaning, I can forget about this “Biggest Loser” challenge with my teammates and just eat to my heart’s desires.

Chef’s Table is Chef Bruce’s take on Filipino food. I have seen Chef Bruce’s cooking show in one of the local channels before (not sure if it still exists though), and I was amazed by his unconventional approach to cooking. I have also read about him at Happy Monthsary’s blog, and they were happy with the unique experience.

So I have very high expectations with this restaurant…

Chef’s Table is located at The Fort. We had some difficulties finding the place as the area where they are is not yet developed. The building where they are located is still under construction.

Open, intimate, and definitely not intimidating facade

We were seated at the mezzanine so we had a very good view of what’s happening in the kitchen. They literally prepare everything in front of the guests. I had a great time watching them moving around getting busy preparing my order. Over there is Chef Bruce.

for our appetizer, we had CEBUANA CHILI CHICKEN WINGS (Php 210) - Lightly battered deep fried chicken wings smothered with Cebu-inspired sweet chili sauce. I'm not much of fan of chicken wings, but this one I love!

PRAWN ALIGUE MY WAY (Php 350) - Prawns on a bed of sotanghon flavored with aligue sauce wrapped in banana leaf, oven baked to perfection. Good, but order comes with only 2 medium-sized shrimps! We had to order another viand because of this.

DINUGUAN (Php 330) - A combination of crispy and soft pork belly in an Ilocos-inspired savory sauce topped with chili fingers. If you're wondering why it's not black, then that's because the meat was cooked separately from the sauce. You have to mix it to get the "dinuguan" color. It was not such a hit for me.

SALTED EGGS AND MINCED PORK (Php 120) - classic tortang talong enhanced with salted eggs.

All in all, we enjoyed our dinner. The staff are very attentive and anticipates our needs. I also appreciate the twist they make on the usual Filipino dishes. However, for me, it’s one of those restaurants that are “good to try once” but I might not be excited if I were to go back. Or maybe it’s just the effect of my diet.

Still, I recommend that you try it. Oh, and if it’s your birthday, the Chefs might also sing a song for you – like our fellow guest-grandma downstairs.