The movie Under the Tuscan Sun in 2003 which stars Diane Lane is one of my favorite “taking new chances in life/starting over” movies and it was shot in the beautiful region of Tuscany.  I got a bite of just that stepping into Marcia Adam’s unassuming restaurant in Tagaytay that most people dubbed as “Little Tuscany.” This particular garden restaurant displays a lot of Tuscan character, light and airy like a sunflower –it’s probably one of the brighter spots which the sun favors in Tagaytay.

From the moment you enter this beautiful restaurant, you are transformed to a picturesque town in Italy. 

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There’s a cover charge of PHP 700 per head when you dine at Marcia Adam’s Restaurant but this is consumable.  Most of their entrées are in that price range and the main course already includes an appetizer, a dessert and a non-alcoholic drink.  

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The meal begins with a plate of warm homemade bread.  It was so good that I kept munching on it dabbing a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  It filled me up a bit that’s why I only finished half of my kebabs.

On the Table

Janey’s Set

Amalfi Prawns

Three pieces of succulent prawns marinated in salt, pepper, olive oil, parsley, coated with breadcrumbs and pan fried that gives it a golden crispy outer layer.  Each juicy shrimp sits elegantly on top of a paper-thin cracker plated with a leaf garnish.

The seasoned breadcrumbs give a crusty bite to the lightly cooked shrimp.  Drizzle sprits of lemon on the shrimp to boost up the flavor with a trace of citrus.

Classic Shish Kebabs PHP 845

2 skewers of lamb marinated in lemon, salt, pepper, and olive oil, served with choice of rice or couscous (for an additional P45). 

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The chunks of lamb, that alternate with lumps of onion and green bell pepper, are succulent and oh-so-flavorful.  The slightly charred meat particularly opens up the palate and then bold flavors thrust in.  Take a rest from the strong flavors with a bite of the lightly grilled tomato that balances off the meaty taste with a hint of its natural sweet tart.

Panna Cotta with Lemon Sauce

I was so full midway my entrée so I had the dessert to go.

Bundaberg Peachee

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Bubba’s Set

Soup of the Day

Bubba was served pumpkin soup for his starters.  I had a taste and it was delightfully creamy.

Grilled Aromatic Pork PHP 700

The pork cut was massaged with aromatic spices and herbs and as its descriptor on the menu further claims, it is moist, tender and very tasty.  Bubba has to agree with a whiff of its savory aroma and equally remarkable taste.

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Grilled Orange with Vanilla Ice Cream

The vanilla ice cream inescapably cooled our palate from the highly flavored main courses and the partnering grilled orange extends the pleasant sweetness of the dessert.

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Bundaberg Ginger Beer

Both our entrées were rich in flavor but the lamb was my ultimate favorite that I might have to take another visit to Marcia Adams when I go back to Tagaytay in 2 weeks.  This time, I’m hoping to dine in the sunset patio that has a more romantic feel.  Nonetheless, the slow and steady scenic lunch at Little Tuscany was a lovely memory to keep as we headed back to Manila.

Marcia Adam’s Tuscany

JP Rizal St., Brgy. Sikat, (same street as Ville Sommet)

Alfonso, Cavite

(63) 917 801 1456

Marcia Adam’s Tuscany Album

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