Sonya’s Garden

Barangay Buck Estate Alfonso, Cavite (near Tagaytay City)

09175329097; 09175335140

This homey garden offers a refreshing break from the city. You can choose to go for the day or stay the night and enjoy Sonya’s fresh fare and relaxing amenities. Go for the set menu to get the full Sonya experience. Try the salad with her special homemade dressing. (It’s so good you’d want to bring a bottle home—and you can!) The pasta is good too. Make sure to drop by the bakery and bring home cheese hopia and pinwheel cookies.

Patis Tito Garden Cafe (formerly Kusina Salud)

285 Barangay Sta. Cruz Putol, San Pablo, Laguna

72542321; 09164439092

Go on an old-school food trip at Kusina Salud. Enjoy the vintage interiors and choose from three set menus or order a la carte. Some favorites include the Inasal Diablo, Lumpiang Shanghai with Cheese, Ensaladang Pako, Beef Salpicao a la Pobre and their Classic Bulalo.

Crescent Moon Cafe

Ascension Road Barangay Dalig, Antipolo City

6583866

For a dose of good food and pottery, bring your mom to Crescent Moon Cafe in Antipolo. Their suman is a popular merienda treat that you can also take home. It goes perfectly with the mango. Be sure to try the Thai appetizer of wrapped alagaw leaves which always receive raves from diners. Stop by the pottery studio and bring home dinnerware accents by Lanelle Abueva-Fernando.

Abe’s Farm

98 Livestock Village Barangay Ayala Magalang, Pampanga

(045) 8651930; 09178085187

There is a lot for your mom to enjoy at Abe’s Farm. Start your experience with a visit to the E. Aguilar Cruz museum and get to know Abe, the writer and artist and his son Larry J. Cruz, his passion for food and his many contributions to the restaurant industry. Walk over to the restaurant and enjoy Abe’s take on Kapampangan cuisine. Order the Sinigang Bangus Belly with Ripe Guava and if you’re feeling adventurous, share a plate of Arobung Kamaru (farm crickets). The Binukadkad na Pla-Pla with Balo-Balo & Mustasa, Knockout Knuckles, Tidtad and Crispy Tadyang are favorites too. After your full meal, relax for a bit and book a spa treatment for mom. She can go for a full body massage, foot therapy or a facial.