Traveling from Metro Manila, either toward the north or south, the motorist is faced with so many dining places along the highway, most of which belong to hamburger chains and the usual eateries found in the big city.
Recently, we discovered a roadside restaurant with a menu unique to their place (of location), with the flavors and technique reminiscent of delicious home cooking.
In another part of Metro Manila, an advocate of healthy eating has gone a step further, beyond calling their café offerings “organic.”
Casa Cecilia
Diversion Road, Taal, Batangas; tel. 043-4080046
This is a house converted into a restaurant; thus, it has the homey, welcoming ambiance. The diner will then have an idea of elegant heritage homes, and will eagerly anticipate what’s on the menu.
Dining area—Spacious, and can spread out to the garden with a gazebo on cool evenings. There is an area for private parties on one side of the hall. Tables and chairs are of heavy wood and spaced well. The winding staircase with an ornately carved balustrade leads to second floor where more guests can be accommodated .
Service—Efficient
Staff—Gracious , eager to serve
Suggested orders—People come to this place for a unique (and rare) fish found only in this province—the Maliputo, plus, of course, the Tawilis, two species that are almost extinct. Start the meal with Sinigang na Maliputo; the cook normally serves it with the head, a most flavorful element. The fish has no equal in its milky flavor and melts-in-the-mouth texture. Nothing goes with the dish but some tomatoes, vegetables and a souring agent. This beats all the soups served in most restaurants, except, perhaps the Bulalo, another Batangas pride. Beware, some eateries pass off Talakitok as Maliputo. Order some crispy fried Tawilis, dipped in vinegar, and for the carnivorous, get the Crispy Tadyang. That combination makes for quite a satisfying meal. But then, you can cap your lunch or dinner with Halo-halo, with all the traditional ingredients. This is big; ask for extra bowls and share. You might want a cup of steaming Barako (again, Batangas) coffee after.
Government and services charges are added to the bill. Senior cards are honored.
Rating ***
Echocafé
Inside Echostore, Along Serendra Parkway, across Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City; tel. 9013485
The aim of this café is to promote healthy eating and support local farmers, to encourage sustainable techniques in growing vegetables, fruits and raising livestock. They label their products “natural” against the obviously much-abused term “organic.”
All products are from farms tilled by people who are trained on sustainability.
Dining area—Cozy, with small tables for four. There’s Internet. It is quiet, conducive to reading while waiting for orders. It is within reach of all “natural” products carried by the store, from fresh vegetables, oils, bread, chicken etc.
One can, therefore, pick up ingredients of the food that has just been enjoyed.
Service—Friendly, quick enough to enjoy a Lemongrass or Pandan tea while waiting to be served.
Staff—Quick to offer menu cards, accommodating
Suggested orders—They have breakfast offering up to 3 p.m. These include homemade Chorizong Hubad, lean ground beef and lean ground pork with garlic and vinegar; Chicken Longanisa, hamonado served with Brown Rice Sinangag. Or, try the Poached Organic Eggs with Wilted Spinach; sandwiches like Tofu Burger and Spinach and Cheese Tortilla-wich. Choose from the pasta selection, salads, soups and sinful (never mind) desserts; the Valhrona Sansrival is really super.
The store has most coffee blends. Punctuate the meal with a Cappuccino or Latte.
Government and service charges will be in the bill. Senior cards are honored.
Rating **
