There are only a handful moments in my life, other than my birthdays, that are worth celebrating with the family.  This gathering is to mark my milestone on earning my "Atty." (Yes, I' really claiming it!).  For such a unique occasion, it was only befitting that I also pick the most unique Filipino restaurant on my want to try list: Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna.

Little did I know that Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna has two branches (both within Makati) so there was some members of the family who got mixed up. 

My reservation was at the pioneer branch in HRC Centre in Rada Street but they also have one in 6060 Palma Street corner Osias Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati.  We all had a difficult time locating this along Rada Street because it was not visible from the street view.  Lucky for us, my cousin and little sister arrived early and located it for us.  They advised us to look for China Bank and 7-11 instead a this was located just beside 7-11.  Their signage is so small without any lights so its impossible to see at night.

Food

♥ Complimentary Bonete Bread

While waiting for our orders, we were served their Complimentary Bonete Bread.  It comes with three dips.  The family loved the one with kamias. 


Appetizer

♥ Ukoy (195 php)

The family grew up in Ilocos Sur when Ukoy is quite prominent so every one was curious to see Chef Justin Sarabia's version.  We initially just ordered for sharing.  But since we liked the Ukoy so much, we just had to order more.  It was not just crunchy but crisp to perfection with less grease.

♥ Chicken Lumpia (195 php)

Another interesting surprise though it looks ordinary is the Chicken Lumpia. 

♥ Shitake Bun (260 php)

Mushroom lovers like me will surely enjoy the Shitake Bun.  It was such a great discovery that queso de bola could go well with shitake.  The only drawback for this is the price.  For such a small bun, it already costs 130 php.

♥ Crispy Squid (285 php)

The Crispy Squid offers a great combination of crisp and chewiness that we loved to the point of slight addiction. 

Salad

♥ Pako Salad (180 php)

The oldies where quite excited to find the Pako Salad on the menu.  I didn't quite expect that it would impress both young and old. 


Beef

Beef in Coconut (480 php)

If there was one item that didn't impress us, it would be the Beef in Coconut.  We were expecting this to taste a bit sweet because of the coconut milk.  Yet, it tasted sour so we even doubted if  it was spoiled.  However, we didn't get a stomach ache the following day so I guess it was not.

Seafood

♥ Adobong Pusit (320 php)

The Adobong Pusit is deliciously tasty making it perfect with rice.  It was very tender that the oldies enjoyed munching on it too.

♥ Lapu Lapu with Mango (580 php)

If I could recommend one dish at Rural Kitchen that is a must order, it would be the Lapu Lapu with Mango.  Taste-wise, portion-wise and price-wise, I would say this has exceeded our expectations.

Other

Ox Tail Kare Kare (580 php)

Personally, I found their blend of Ox Tail Kare Kare to be a bit sweet but the family seemed to have enjoyed it.  We all just felt, there could have been more ox tail for its price.

We also ordered the Dinuguan (280 php) which was made from carabao's blood instead of pig's blood.  Unfortunately, we all (except my one cousin) failed to appreciate this dish because of the undeniably gamer and weird smell and flavor.  But, in fairness, my one cousin liked it and he finished the plateful all by himself.

Kalderetang Kambing (280 php)

The Kalderetang Kambing was really good.  It has a lot of bones but that's quite usual for such a dish. 

♥ Lamb Kaldereta (580 php)

We all liked the Lamb Kaldereta.  The lamb was so tender and clean tasting.  I highly recommend this as well!

Vegetables

♥ Kuwalong Talong (180 php)

This is our first time to try an eggplant dish cooked like the Kuwalong Talong.  It was amazingly awesome!  Do you know where this dish originated from?

Noodles

Pancit Lucban (190 php)

My aunt was missing pancit lucban so she ordered one.  She was surprised that the Pancit Lucban looked something like this.  Well, their twist was good especially with the sweet and savory pork sausages.    

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We Tsinoy Foodies recommend trying out Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna.  I don't think there is any other place in the Metro just like it.  Although the portion could be more generous, the elegant ambiance and unique menu with their own twist makes up for its higher than average pricing.  

If there's one place which was highly recommended everywhere (in publications, online blogs, online reviews sites, tv shows) to have Authentic Kapampangan Cuisine,  it would be Everybody's Cafe.

Thus, we squeezed it into out itinerary.

We arrived there around 9 pm and we were practically the only customers of this popular place.

It looks like a carinderia (even with flies).  Just with a better table set up since there is a table cloth.

The dishes are displayed like in a carinderia or turo-turo style canteen.

They have no menu and the set-up was like this so we had the impression that the food would be affordable.  We ordered the ♥ Morcon (360 php) for take out.  I think that is the their most impressive dish.

Unlike me, it is the family's first time to try the Kapampangan exotic dishes.

Food

Camaro (Mole Cricket) (220 php)

I was really excited to let the family try the Camaro.  I've had a pleasant experience with the camaro by Ikabud, Bistro Remedios and during the Marquee Mall's Big Bite!  Unfortunate, this one is not as good.  =( I felt bad that the family had to try this not-so-crispy, bland and greasy version at such an expensive price too!

Kalderetang Kambing (300 php)

The Kalderetang Kambing is delicious with a little spiciness to it.  It was tender enough but the serving was small and had lots of bones so  felt that the pricing is not justified.

Betute

I forgot how much the Betute was but I'm pretty sure it was also every expensive as it was priced per piece.  Compared to the Camaro, this is much better.  But, I still didn't like it's oiliness.  I suggest you try Cely's Carinderia and Abe's instead.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Out of all the place we dined at in Pampanga, this is the most expensive and disappointing one.  Trying Everybody's Cafe was a huge mistake!

During an overnight staycation in Tagaytay City, my companions brought me to Don Juan Tamad Restaurant. 

It was located at the corner of Aguinaldo Highway and Magallanes Drive.  Although it is a corner lot, it's front is covered by signages and tarpaulin so you'll hardly notice that it's there.  You can enter either from this side...

or this side which is more convenient coming from the parking area.

I was amazed at how beautiful and huge it is in the inside.  It's like a secret club or haven.  Given the natural chilly weather of Tagaytay plus this set up, your dining experience will surely be relaxing.  That's what Don Juan Tamad is all about... enjoying a chilly lazy night... a slow-life which you can rarely have when you're in the busy city.


It's has private rooms, bars and hut or kubo style dining set up.  There were a lot of foreigners from asians such as Korean to westerners.  At late hours, there are live bands.  Diners can also volunteer to sing with the band as back out. 
 
Food

Exotic Foods & Pica Pica

♥ Kalderetang Kambing (330 php)

The dishes here are interesting especially the exotic ones.  The Kalderetang Kambing is goat stew.  It is a bit sweetened.  The meat was tender enough.

Tapang Kabayo (310 php)

 The Fried Mountain Range Horse Meat is peppery and a bit tough to chew.  After a while, I got the hang of it.

♥ Adobong Baboy Damo (355 php)

I liked the Adobong Baboy Damo the most.  My only dislike would be that it had so many bones that there are smaller portions of meat left.

Quick-Serve Best-Seller List

♥ Beef Bulalo M (340 php)

The Beef Bulalo is served warm so it was really comforting to drink at such chilly night.  It was very tasty too!  Sarap!

♥ Don Juan Beef Pares Beef Soup Special (115 php)

The Don Juan Beef Pares Beef Soup Special is one of the most flavorful and chunky pares I've encountered.  So good!
 

♥ Crispy Fried Tawilis (140 php/8 pcs.)

I'm not very picky with the establishment when it comes to Crispy Fried Tawilis.  All restaurants here in Tagaytay seem to know the technique of cooking it right.  I've tried buying fresh tawilis in Fisher Mall and I always end up frying an uncrispy one. =(

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Don Juan Tamad offers one of the most relaxing places to dine in Tagaytay.  I really love the native kubo non-intimidating and fun atmosphere.  The food is also delicious!  It's also convenient that it's open 24/7 so it's also a great breakfast place.  But for me, best time to go is at night because of the enchanting lights and fun entertainment.

A few weeks ago, me and my friends had a spontaneous getaway to Club Balai Isabel in Talisay Batangas.  There are a lot of activities that you can do there, one of which is eating! And, I'm excited to share our dining experience at Terraza Cafe.

Terraza Cafe is open air so there's no air-conditioning.  It exudes a homey vibe with its cabin interior and wooden tables and chairs.

There are three dining areas available: main dining area, function room and pool side.


My pick would be the pool side and here's why.  Just ask for a candle to keep the flies away.

Food

Salad and Appetizers

House Salad (240 php)

We started with a healthy House Salad.  Everything is fresh: greens and fruits.  What brings granduer to this simple looking dish is their home made kamias dressing.  It bring a refreshing tropical and citrus delight. 

Hearty Soups and Stews 

Bulalo (475 php)

One of my favorite soups is Bulalo.  The Bulalo is a pre-hispanic bone and marrow broth originating in Southern Luzon.  I'm not just a fan of bone broth for it's rich savory concentrated flavor but also for it's health benefits.  Way before bone broth has become a trend thanks to Paleo and Gaps diet, pre-historic records shows that it has always been known as an elixer around the world.  That is why we Filipinos have the Bulalo, Koreans have the Seolleongtang, Japanese have the Tonkotsu Ramen, French have the Consome and Italians have the Brodo.

Batangas is well known for it's Batangas Beef so having Bulalo to this pioneering city is a wise choice.  Terraza Cafe's is one of the best one I've had.  The chunky tender beef, melt in your mouth marrow and warm and rich broth is simply comfort food for the soul.  

Kalderetang Kambing (430 php)

I've been eating Kalderetang Kambing and it is only this time that I've seen one with grated cheddar cheese on top.  It made the dish more balanced and its a contrast to slight gamey flavor of the goat that didn't escape my senses.

Kare-kare (450 php)

One of the dishes that really got us into munching more is the Kare-kare.

Grilled and Fried Corner 

Chicken Inasal (300 php)

The Chicken Inasal is tasty but I'd enjoy it more if it was more tender and juicy.

Balai Lechon Liempo (380 php)

The quickest one to be emptied is the Balai Lechon Liempo.

Balai Bagnet (360 php)

How can you resist this beautiful Balai Bagnet?  For the price, this enormous chunk of delectable fat and tender meat is quite a steal. 

Sisig (300 php)

Gorgeously slathered with egg and mayonnaise, the mild spicy chewy Sisig was well-appreciated.
 
Seafood

Salt & Pepper Seafood (280 php)

The Salt & Pepper Seafood isn't exactly how I expected it to be.  It was more like sweet and spicy for me.  The seafood: squid, shrimp and dory is all similarly battered so it's difficult to distinguish one from another unless you bite into it. 

Tilapia na may Minatamis na Sampalok (250 php)

The secret to the sweetness of the Tilapia na may Minatamis na Sampalok is that they use fresh and live tilapia.  The tilipia cubes are so soft that they almost dissolve once popped into my mouth.  
 
Vegetables

Grilled Eggplant (185 php)

It took some time getting used to consuming the Grilled Eggplant.  Our local tongues are used to eating grilled eggplants with bagoong (shrimp paste).  If you love curry, you'll find liking in balai's special spicy coconut cream sauce that serves as a dip.

Buffet

If the resort is almost fully occupied, they offer a buffet.  Breakfast is included in the accommodation.


The menu changes.  But I'm quite please that whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner,  there's fresh fruits available.  We noticed that the items we ordered ala carte were also candidates for the buffet selection.  There are also a minimum of 5 viands to choose from in addition to the salad, fruits and other desserts.  Some of the desserts we loved are their Mango Buko Loco and Churros.


There's a live station too.  During breakfast, you can order omelet with toppings of your choice.  For lunch and dinner, it becomes a pasta station.  I love their pasta!


So here's my breakfast place with a bowl of cereal.


I also had a warm bowl of champorado, a slice of puto and a hot cup of brewed coffee.  The puto is so delicious!  

During dinner time, there's a live band and wonderful lights set up all over the trees by the pool making it a cozy atmosphere.

Drinks

Health is Wealth (140 php) and Mango Shake (140 php)

I really liked their fresh and healthy drinks.  Everything we had was very refreshing and not too sweetened.

Tip: Aside from eating, you might wanna check out my Top 12 Suggested Activities To Do at Club Balai Isabel. 



Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Terraza Cafe is offers reasonably priced delicious dishes served in generous portions.  I consider this food heaven a great complement to everything else in Club Balai Isabel.