Breakfast at Antonio's

I get excited about birthdays. I really do not mind getting older. I feel that the more years I have tucked in, the more that I need to celebrate. Life should be celebrated for the blessings, chances and relationships built through the years. 

And this year, I especially looked forward to it because for the first time am celebrating it as a married woman. Oh, the romance of it. 

So, in spite of the rain and storm signal we drove to Tagaytay. Of course, the brat in me sneaked out. For the better (worse) part of the drive, we gave each other the silent treatment. Funny though, in a stop light in Sta Rosa, we both turned towards each other and hugged. Spontaneously. Aw. Ha ha ha. Pardon the mushiness. 

All is well. Then, we arrived at our destination: Breakfast at Antonio's . I fell in love twice over. The interior of the restaurant has a quiet elegance to it. Exposed beams, soft lighting and open planned. Mesh wires instead of actual walls around the dining hall -- it accomplishes two things: ventilation and view.

Hello, fog!

Charming.

Breakfast with a view. Imagine waking up to this backdrop.

We learned that the menu changes on a weekly basis. The restaurant only serves the freshest ingredients coming from the local farms so the chef adjusts to what the pantry has. Organic.

I love the uniform. It's very dignified. And old world.

We were drooling for the smoked baby back ribs. Sadly, it was out of stock. But the wait staff suggested this tasty roast chicken. It's on the dry side. If you're used to having the usual roast chicken, this might disappoint you -- no fat drippings. But I loved it! It was absolutely delish!

Roast Chicken (P600). It comes with a really yum roasted potatoes flavored with rosemary.

 

Turkish Bread (P150).

These spreads came with the bread.

 I had the most satisfying Eggs Benedict, ever! This can even be shared. The serving portion is good enough for two people. I had just learned that it's the Chef's recommendation when I checked its website days after I had this. What a delight!

Eggs Benedict Pancake (P270).

Took our time to enjoy the food, the company, the ambiance, small talk and social media on the side. It's the kind of meal and place, you want to linger and savor. 

On a date like this, make sure that you save room for dessert. We did.

TWG Jasmine Tea (P180) and New York Cheese Cake (P245)

 The rest room has swag.

A huge painting by the bath room by some local artist. Swell, eh?

In strategic areas of the restaurant, this signage is displayed. 

RESPECT.

We bid adieu with a loot and a silent promise to come back. Hopefully with friends. It should be more fun. Here's the To-go counter. The raisin bread we bought was yum.

fresh greens to go!

 

Go to Breakfast at Antonio's for money well-spent on food and date.

Breakfast at Antonio's
Brgy. Neogan Purok 138
Tagaytay, Cavite 
 +63 (917) 899.2866

Dress Code: Casual

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Sheng

Stella

Early this year, the High Street Central in Bonifacio Global City opened. It's an open-planned development with a mix of restaurants and shops around it. In the middle of the development is an atrium with lots of greens -- trees, topiaries and shrubs and bleachers. It's a great hang out place for people who want to enjoy a breezy night. 

One of the restaurants here is Stella. It's an American franchise that offers wood-fired pizza, pasta and the most succulent ribs in town.

We've been here a few times. And I say that each time, the food is just great. You get value for your money. And the ambiance is cozier than the usual. Wood panels, small booths, muted chandeliers and fancy touches of glam decor.

California Style Baby Back Ribs (P395)

Roasted Firecracker Fusilli (P390)

Anchovies & Olives Pizza (P350)

A bottle of Red Wine (P790)

A glass of Merlot Rose (P195)

Sweet Dough (P195)

I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a bit of fancy dining without necessarily burning a hole in one's pocket.

Address:

G/F Bonifacio High Street Central, East Superblock, 7th Ave cor 29th St Fort Bonifacio, Taguig (02) 621-3222

 

Bon appetit! 

Happy belly at Romulo Cafe

I have been intrigued by this restaurant for sometime now. It's en route going home. Whenever I see its facade, I have this incredible feeling of happiness. You see, Romulo Cafe along Jupiter Street in Makati, at the outset looks like an oversized gift. The wrapping is so beautiful, you feel either intimidated or excited to see what's on the inside. 

Romulo Cafe. 2011 Best Restaurant Awardee.

From the street, the lighting and decor are so beautiful, it manages to invade your mind and leave a mark there. To me, it's a special place. I've been telling my friends about it for sometime but we never seem to agree on a date. Life gets in the way, you know. 

So, on Thursday, August 16 we found the special reason for our first encounter with this much-anticipated cafe. We bid adieu to our former boss, TJ who is off to start a new life as an entrepreneur. 

When I walked in at the cafe, I had this heady feeling of meeting an old friend. It's like walking into a dream. The restaurant owner(s) took great pains in creating a relaxed atmosphere. You'd know that here you can have great conversations and quiet dinners. 

As starters, we have two dishes. In the excitement, I forgot to take a picture of the lumpia. 

It's unconventional, yes. But I found it too difficult to chew. (Pinoy Nachos)

Sinigang na salmon sa miso. Absolutely divine.

These were followed by mouth-watering dishes that delight the senses as well as our sensibilities. By the middle of the courses, we have just surrendered to the fact that this is not a night for eating like a bird.

Laing. Just the right bite of hot chili and an agreeable amount of coconut milk.

Sigarilyas with tinapa. Am not a fan of sigarilyas. But it did surprise me. Yum.

Pancit na puti. The absence of color will deceive you. It tastes heavenly.

Beef Caldereta -- melts in your mouth goodness.

Pork Binagoongan in a bed of grilled eggplant.

Rice cake dipped in native chocolate.

I'd say that although am adventurous when it comes to cuisine, I have always been partial to Filipino food. I'd pick it anytime over fancy European or continental dishes. Lately, I've caught myself enjoying more and more fusion Asian cuisine or even the rare authentic hole in the wall cafes.

At Romulo Cafe, one would shell out about P500 per person to enjoy great Filipino dishes. When there, you'd wish your kitchen and dining area are just like it back home.

Whether dinner for two or for big groups (ours was a party of 30), you'd find that Romulo Cafe is up to the challenge. The dining experience will be a good conversation starter. Service is excellent. So, no grumpy moments or grumbling stomachs.

I would even go as far as recommend it to friends who have family relations coming home from abroad or for fellowship nights with colleagues and a foreign visitor, in tow.

If you want a happy belly go to Romulo Cafe.

Romulo Cafe
148 Jupiter St., Bel-Air Makati
(adjacent to Corner Tree Cafe)
Tel. Nos. 822-0286, 478-6406
Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 11 p.m. daily

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AA BBQ

One highlight of any Cebu experience is its wide array of gastronomic treats. Cheap eats but taste expensively. 

So, whenever am in Cebu I make it a point to dine at any of the original Cebu street-origin restaurants. In Cebu, there are many hawker-like food destinations known for its taste, original flavor and affordability. 

Last Monday, I made it a point to eat at one of the original barbecue place, AA Barbecue. The structure has changed, gone is the street vibe though. 

To order, you have to select from the glass window all the fresh seafood or marinated chops and tell the 'chef' how you want it cooked. Service is very swift. So, the anticipation isn't that long. 

Here are the dishes that made our belly happy. 

The freshest seafood soup (Clam)

Eggplant salad

Ngo Hiong. Never leave Cebu without trying this. Looks like lumpia but not quite.

Baked scallops

Tender pork belly

We were filled to the brim. All these fed four people but we only paid for P700. How incredible is that? 

When you're in Cebu don't forget to check out AA BBQ at A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue.