Spanish Cuisine Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Casa Armas Tapas Bar y Restaurante,

June 21, 2012 by Janey

Founded in the 1990s, Casa Armas continues to stand the test of time and ever changing food landscape. This Spanish restaurant was opened by the late Senor Jesus Armas, who, unknown to many, was also a Jai Alai player. He passed on in October of 2005 in a car accident in Spain but the legend that is his restaurant lives on.

A few weeks ago, some foodie friends and I were invited over Casa Armas Greenbelt branch. It was my first time there and I loved the warm, classy, modern interiors of their dining room with mezzanine which is heavy on wood elements. Upon entering the door, your eyes will definitely catch something towards the right. There is a huge almost 2-storey wall of wine shelves with wood and brick accents, highlighted by two bull heads. How very Spanish.

The popularity Casa Armas has built over 17 years still draws an older crowd who appreciates that the tasteful ambience and authentic Spanish dishes are consistent even until now. Casa Armas has 4 branches in the Metro located at Greenbelt 2, Jupiter Street in Makati, Trinoma in Quezon City and Podium in Ortigas Center to get a wider reach. It’s about time that younger crowds up its ante in dining out and culture their palates with fine taste.

Between Bites TOP 10 MUST BITES 2011

December 22, 2011 by Janey

I have scoffed, gobbled, munched, wolfed down different dishes in many, almost countless, restaurants that I have to really organize my food thoughts. That is the reason time and again I come up with these Between Bites Top 10 lists.

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Japanese Restaurants

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST DATE PLACES

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST FILIPINO EATS

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST PAELLA

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST Buffalo Wings

TOP 5 Sultry Strawberry Treats

Mercato Centrale, Where Food Lovers Meet, The TOP 10

Between Bites TOP 10 Things About Bali

And here we go again! This time I have dubbed my annual list as “MUST BITES” in line with the Between Bites “brand.” Yuck, brand daw oh. Haha.

10. Rub Ribs and Barbecue

A simple duplex with a red signage that spelled RUB stands in Tomas Morato. With more comfortable dining area on the 2^nd floor, the small space has quotable quotes in frames adorning the wall. Their menu offers wings, potato wedges, pastas, pork belly, among others but obviously, it is a no-nonsense restaurant devoted to the love of ribs and barbecue.

Sweet Meets Savory with Gaudi’s Wine All-You-Can

April 1, 2011 by Janey

Some fine things in life are best enjoyed when shared with the company of great people. The good news is some of the best luxuries are now made affordable to those who wish to spend a leisurely bonding with families and friends.

Look forward to a quaint weekend venue and complete a Friday night of social experience, taking anyone to a nostalgic and amiable mood. Treat the whole gang at Gaudi as it introduces the famous integrated culture of Spain–a worth relishing wine drinking and tapas sampling experience.

Enjoy wine all–you-can for only P600 net, and discover the sensational selection of Spanish, Chilian, and Australian wines with crowd-pleaser tapas carefully preapared by Executive Chef Alexandra Cacho herself. Have a feast of the simple yet well thought-out gourmet style tapas selections from the famous pepper rubbed and delicious to every bite pulpo (octopus), the freshly marinated scallops and shrimp skewers drenched in citrus juice, and the squid Spanish wonder, the black calamari or “el bulli” wrapped in blank ink batter.

Craving for some meaty bites? Try Spain’s signature delicacy and Gaudi’s tasty version of the Serrano ham with cheese phyllo pastry, the flavorful North-African Moroccan chicken skewers teeming with fragrant spices and aromatics. And don’t be surprise as each bite comes with a new level of taste and freshness. Beer lovers are also set to have an indulging night with P50 net per bottle beer offer, plus the affordably priced P320 net wine bottle and not to miss is Gaudi’s popular Sangria. Boasting a temperature-controlled wine cave facility, all wines are guaranteed served at optimum temperature.

If you’re sick doing the same old thing for weekend break, come to Gaudi and have a new-found appreciation for Spanish cuisine. Aside from these great pairing treats, the restaurant is surely a sophisticated venue designed to encourage conversation after a crazy-busy week.

Gaudi is open daily from 11am until 12mn. Wine all-you-can paired with tapas and canapé’s is served every Friday from 6 to 9 pm. Located at Ground Level of Serendra, Gaudi is surrounded by top Bussiness Offices, theatres and high end shops, making it the ideal spot for a quiet coffee, a fashionable business lunch or a romantic dinner.

Gaudi

G/F Serendra

Bonifacio High Street

Bonifacio Global City

(632) 856 0473-74

*Press Release

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Between Bites’ TOP 10 Food Highlights of 2010’s 1st Half: What a Mouthful!

June 23, 2010 by Janey

Between Bites TOP 10 Food Highlights (2010 -1st Half)

10. King One’s Shabu Shabu

That Sunday lunch at King One’s Shabu Shabu (PHP 529 per head) was a wonderful lunch where the food were abound and of good quality –prepared well I should say. I get turned off with restaurants that offer buffet sometimes because of the way the food is prepared… but in this case, King One’s staff handles the food properly. Service was friendly, prompt and inclined –more reason to enjoy your King One feast. Don’t forget to order fresh prawns, mozzarella balls, tao pao and lamb! Oh lamb!

King One Rotary Hot Pot

M2-A Lower Hobbies of Asia

#8 Macapagal Ave., Pasay City

(632) 556 1370

9. Sweet Revenge of Maitre Chocolatier

Sweet Revenge is Maitre Chocolatier’s Lindt Molten Lava Cake -dark chocolate molten lava cake made from Europe’s finest Lindt Excellence Dark 70%, filled with oozing sweet and vengefully spicy chocolate served with vanilla ice cream

Sweet Revenge was the unanimously favorite on the table with its gooey warm chocolate that ruptures from the moist cake that’s bittersweet dark and spiced with chili. Midway when the chocolate flavor sinks in, the chili essence abruptly creeps in creating a sweet heat inside your mouth. Cool off with the vanilla ice cream that soothes your taste buds to a calm reverie. Bubba, Zipster and I loved the yin yang taste of darkness and sweetness, as well as the heat and arctic feel.

The spunk of the chili in the luscious chocolate liquid inside and the vanilla ice cream bring it all together in sweet harmony.

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Cafe by Eva Wong

2A (Beside Starbucks), No. 28 Jupiter Street

Bel Air, Makati City, Philippines

(632) 897 8559

8. Minato’s Great Korean Barbecue

Other than the smorgasbord of side dishes that includes Kimchi, spiced green vegetables, peanuts, bean sprouts, marbled potatoes among a variety of other side accompaniments, it is really the barbecue that’s quite good at Minato. It has to be one of the best in town.

Kimchi Pancake

The Kimchi Pancake is oil-fried pancake with bits of beansprouts and cabbage flavored Kimchi-style. And I think it’s free.

So Kal Bi PHP 350

Marinated beef short ribs –has a shadow of sweetness, garlic and soy. It’s hard to restrain oneself from gnawing the large bones with charred meat.

Sam Gyeop Sal PHP 240

The plate had thick, fatty slices of pork belly (almost looks like uncured bacon) alternating meat and fat and then skin. Meat is left unseasoned and usually cooked on a grill at the diner’s table. In this case, the wait staff helped in cooking the pork belly slices. On the side, green onion leeks and lettuce are served in case you prefer to wrap your meat inside. Customize it and add different side dishes or Kimchi and dip in sesame oil with fine black pepper and salt for a perfect finish.

Minato Korean Restaurant

Escriva Road (between Furu Restaurant and Agua Vida)

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

#8 is a toss-up between Minato and Chic Boy

tied at the same number.

8. Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

Great food doesn’t necessarily have to come at a price. There’s a new affordable (almost dare to say cheap) food discovery along Jupiter Street in Makati. Call on the Chic Boy. Chic-Boy is actually a play on the words Chicken and Baboy (pork) –the meats that are quite popular in the Filipino community particularly when it’s grilled.

Chic Boy is putting a whole new turn on chicken inasal, lechon manok and lechon liempo like you’ve never tasted before. They’ve taken a special secret recipe of tasty lechon manok and lechon liempo in Cebu and chicken inasal of Bacolod and put it all in one easy-breezy and affordable restaurant here in Manila.

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Must-orders include their Cebu Lechon Liempo and Salmon Sinigang (PHP 45). With those affordable prices and flavorsome and satisfying meals, how can anyone go wrong? 😀

READ MORE!

Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

Chic Boy

Jupiter St., Makati City

7. 22 Prime’s Tomahawk Chop

Quick-fire thoughts:

I love the ample size of fat that adds a buttery texture

and heightens flavor of the meat

Peppercorn sauce bursts a bouncy flavor that goes perfectly with the chop

The salad is a good pause in between bites of meat as a cleanser to the palate

Side of baby vegetables had the right crisp and seasoning

–the lone brussel sprout was my favorite! Quite tasty!!!

Don’t miss out on ordering my FAVORITE Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread!

Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread PHP 140

Gooey warm cheese topped on three breads, soft and bursting with tantalizing flavors. Served with baby greens in a mild citrus dressing sparkled with pink peppercorn. Sun dried tomato and broiled four cheese together? It’s an exercise in indulgence.

Premium Night at 22 Prime

22 Prime

22^nd Level, Discovery Suites

25 ADB Avenue

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center

Pasig City, Metro Manila

(632) 719 8888/ (632) 719 6821

6. Ya Kun Kaya Toast –Ortigas

Want a great breakfast that lifts you up at any time of the day? Head over at Ya Kun Kaya! 🙂

Kaya Toast (Half PHP 115, Set Menu PHP 140)

2 slices of delicious Kaya toast with butter –has the right lightly toasted crunch of the bread, slathered with butter and just enough green sweet coconut spread. Satisfies when washed down with Ya Kun’s famous coffee tarik or the traditionally pulled coffee. It’s not on their menu, but you can change your coffee to Yin Yang, which is this delicious half-coffee and half-tea drink.

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Noticeably, the Ya Kun eggs were cooked perfectly, which other Kaya stores can’t quite get, where the eggs usually come out with still some raw uncooked parts. My little spoon broke into that fountain of yolk and I was soaked in sunshine delight. There’s no brighter day than eating wet and perfectly prepared eggs with the crunch of your toast.

READ MORE!

Ya Kun Kaya -Ortigas

In Crumbs: Ya Kun Kaya, Taverna Verde and Taal View Heights

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

G/F AYK Bldg., Escriva Drive (Right beside Astoria Plaza)

San Antonio Village, Ortigas, Pasig City

(632) 470 4285

7AM-11PM

5. Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice

Suffused in its natural chicken juice/broth, the chicken meat was very tender and delectable –quite tasty for what can be considered a “healthy food.” The exquisite and juicy flesh of the steamed chicken is finely balanced with the fragrant rice sprinkled with green onions. Add a splotch of color and taste by blending in the ginger in sesame oil, chili and sweetened soy sauce.

Ooh, the appetizing smell and pleasant gingerly-sesame light taste mixed with a touch of soy and red spice… makes you definitely bite off more than you can chew.

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice: Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice (For pick-up orders only)

21 Libra St. Bel Air,

Makati City

(0906) 508 4155

4. Legend of India

Next to my favorite cuisine, I think Indian cuisine is one of the most interesting and flavorful fares in the world. Indian cuisine uses various spices, herbs, and vegetables and fruits sometimes grown only in India. It also has a wide assortment of cooking techniques.

Kadai Paneer PHP 260

Cottage cheese cooked in a traditional kadai masala paste

Rogan Josh PHP 450

Rogan Josh is an aromatic curry meat dish cooked with a mixture of strong Indian spices where the fat of the meat is usually roasted first in yogurt marinade. Legend of India tamed their version for our group, which mean it wasn’t intensely hot, but it was still intensely enjoyable paired with the vegetable biryani or the naan.

Sweet Lassi PHP 110

It was my first time to actually drink a whole glass of sweet Lassi. I’ve tried it before in other Indian restaurants but found the others’ version too sour for my taste. Lassi is a popular and traditional Indian yogurt-based drink. I tremendously enjoyed Legend of India’s sweet lassi since it has a perfect blend of yogurt, milk and sweetener. There’s a bit of tangy taste to it but it mellows down with a frothy sweet milky flavor. It fully relaxes your taste buds from the spices.

READ MORE!

Legend of India is Legend of Taste

Legend of India

114-B Jupiter St.,

Bel-Air II, Makati City

(632) 836 4232

3. Tsumura’s Wagyu Beef Usuyaki

Other than the sushi and sashimi…

It’s the Wagyu Beef Usuyaki that’s memorable at Tsumura! 🙂

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Supple mushrooms wrapped in thinly sliced Wagyu beef –very tender, flavorful that it’s mighty impressive. The mushrooms were very light, in mellow contrast of the excellent beef. It is simply an indulgence in fine food. The taste is divine.

Tsumura

2^nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza

Sedeno corner Valero Streets,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850

#3 is actually a toss-up between Tsumura and Serenitea

tied at the same number.

3. Serenitea’s Okkinawa or Hokkaido Milk Tea

Serenitea is your one-stop shop for all things serene about tea. They have different variants of tea that will help boost a definite change of drinking lifestyle. It is the healthy alternative to colas, coffee and sugar-loaded smoothies. We visit 3 to 4 times a week to get our “Serenitea fix,” which is usually their Okkinawa milk tea drink with nata or pearls (depending on what topping you want) or Hokkaido with pearls.

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A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

2. Frazzled Cook’s Paella

In terms of taste and price, I consider Frazzled Cook’s Seafood Paella as the best in my book so far.

Seafood Paella PHP 550

For those diners who love their seafood paella with the full generous portions of mussels, squid rings, shrimps, chorizo and egg, this is their best bet for paella and huge value for money. I love the fact that they serve it on the paellera since I enjoy most my paella with the burnt crispy part at the bottom.

For other recommended orders, below are some dishes worthwhile to try:

Wagyu Salpicao PHP 550

When the serving arrives on your table, initial thought would be, “this dish is pricey.” If you’re being served with quality Wagyu that certainly softens in your mouth in a buttery texture without any effort, then your money is good. Have no qualms being served only a few flavorful cubes of beef drenched in its sautéed oil with lightly fried chips of garlic and slices of button mushrooms. Superb.

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Peruvian Hot Pot PHP 400

The Peruvian Hot Pot is their version of spicy lamb stew. This was Bubba’s favorite as the spicy invigorating flavors all come together from the lamb, olives, bell peppers and wine –great flavor and unbelievable rich sauce. The lamb meat had no gamey aftertaste that will surely convert those non-lamb eaters.

The Frazzled Cook

#916 Luna Mencias Street, Baranggay Additional Hills,

Mandaluyong City

(632) 782 5980

1. La Tienda Steak

Chuleton PHP 2,150 (PHP 425/100 grams)

It was the steak that was the highlight of this dinner date for me (okay, plus Bubba’s adoring chinky eyes). One of the best steaks I’ve tasted in Manila is not found on a focused steakhouse. It’s at a Spanish restaurant called La Tienda. I was pleasantly surprised how the steak gratified my meaty cravings. I think we had it cooked in medium doneness. The delicious steak was quite tender –glistening with appropriate grease and seemingly lightly salted while being cooked.

READ MORE!

La Tienda

43 Polaris St. Bel-Air

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 890 4123

Because I love food so much, I have #11-#20 but I’ll save it for another post. Watch out for that soon! 😉

For the meantime, here’s looking forward to the wonderful eats and gastronomic experiences for the next half of the year! Food Highlights from July-December 2010 –2^nd half version! And finally, by the end of the year, TOP 10 of 2010!!! 😉 I’m so giddy with excitement! CHEERS!

THANK YOU Ming for this photo! 😉

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE and EAT!!! 😉

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

www.FoodieManila.com

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La Tienda

June 9, 2010 by Janey

May 29, 2010 –That Saturday was a productive day going around different furniture shops and looking (and measuring and budgeting) at different pieces to go with my living room project. I didn’t realize how fun it is to talk interior design with Bubba –he’s so hands on when it comes to these things. We went around Hemady, Pioneer, Greenhills looking at buffet tables, console tables, sofa sets, and other accent pieces.

It’s been quite a long time since Bubba and I went around Greenhills and since we were there already, we took the chance to check out the “tiangge” stalls as well and shop. Greenhills is near my place but traffic can get quite heavy inside the complex and parking is a strain, so we stay off the area. It was a good shopping day as I was able to buy a tube top (PHP 500), black leggings (PHP 250), two ballet shoes (PHP 700), a nice dress top (PHP450) and Nike Free 5.0 running shoes (PHP 4,495).

It was a long day but Bubba wanted to end that day on a great note. He’s been planning to take me out on a date and he finally decided to schedule it that evening. I hesitated and suggested that we eat dinner at home instead since I was feeling a bit tired (besides the fact that my hair smells like the sun and shirt smells like sweat). After a few more prodding, I gave in and off to Makati we went.

The car turned up at La Tienda’s parking space. I hesitated to go out because I was wearing Fit Flops and shorts. I know certain restaurants (like La Tienda) have dress codes especially on weekends. I asked the doorman first and he said it was okay so I didn’t change anymore.

Walk into the front door and delight in the ambience of a dimly lit Spanish restaurant with red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and matching napkins, wooden accents, bull-fighting framed photos and decorative plates on the wall. While waiting for Bubba to finish ordering, I took a quick trip to their in-house delicatessen

On the Table

Chorizo Frito PHP 210

Fried Spanish sausage –tasty but on the salty side, supposedly one of the better tapas to order at La Tienda

Escalivada con Achoa y Queso sobre Pan Tostado PHP 280

Roasted Vegetables: Eggplant, Red Bell Peppers, Anchovies and Cheese –another tapa that you shouldn’t miss to order

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Chuleton PHP 2,150 (PHP 425/100 grams)

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Chuleton basically means “large chop.” I was taken aback a bit that Bubba ordered 500 grams of Chuleton for both of us. I would have settled for 300 grams since this wasn’t really a steak place. But one bite after the other made me realize that I want more and more of the steak. The natural flavor of the meat was truly incredible. When somebody asks me where to get good steak in Manila, I’d be sure to include La Tienda on my list now of places to go to.

Paella Mixta de la Tienda PHP 575

Chicken, pork, Spanish sausage, seafood

Paellas (Spanish Rice)

La Paella was first prepared in the 19th century in the region of La Abufera outsde Valencia, Spain. The secret of the Paella lies in the unique texture of the grain after cooking. The grain is loose, dry and soft at the same time. The next priority is the flavor from the huge range of ingredients, which puts a stop to any conversation.

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La Tienda’s Paella Mixta de la Tienda was a bit runny for me but it was delicious nonetheless. I like dry toasty scrumptious paella but even if La Tienda’s version was a little wet for my taste, I really like the generous topping of chicken, pork, sausage, shrimps, clams, squid, beans, egg, artichokes, fresh pepper and saffron. And it’s a pretty huge serving –good for 3-4 persons.

Sangria x 2 (per glass) PHP 98

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It was also nice to have live music from the Trio of gentlemen. La Tienda is a surefire restuarant to go to for authentic and palatable Spanish cuisine. Surely, there will be a repeat visit of La Tienda. Both Bubba and I enjoyed the food and ambience tremendously. And up to this day, I cannot forget about the steak.

Thanks to sweetheart Bubba for this wonderful dinner. HUGGY HUGSTER! 😀

La Tienda

43 Polaris St. Bel-Air

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 890 4123

La Tienda Album

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The Flavors of Spain 2009

September 24, 2009 by Janey

Something to look forward to later…

Last time I was at Tower Club was in 2007 for BBC’s event.

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Leave a Comment Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: 2008, 2009, Ayala Ave, event, exclusive, flavors, Fuego Hotels, ICEX, location, media launch, Philam Life Tower, Promo, Spain, Spain festival, Spanish, Spanish Cuisine, Tagaytay, Taste Manila, The Flavors of Spain, The Tower Club

Las Paellas

June 10, 2008 by Janey

Arrived from HK yesterday and I’m still so tired…

May 31. Saturday morning was supposed to be spent getting a check-up at the Intercare Center in Annapolis Greenhills. It’s been years since I last had my scoliosis checked. We got there at 10am and found out that the doctor had a car accident so we had to reschedule. CW and I got our dental check-up instead at 11am.

Lunch was at Las Paellas at the 2^nd level of Promenade.

On the Table

Mozzarella Sticks PHP 130

Four pieces of average size mozzarella cheese sticks served in a bed of shredded lettuce with marinara sauce.

Calamares Fritos PHP 125

Small pieces of squid rings served with citrus mayonnaise dip. I like the batter of the Calamares Fritos, crunchy and with right amount of saltiness. Adds flavor to the squid rings.

Paella Valenciana PHP 450

This was the winner among those that were ordered. Generous helping of seafood and vegetable

Hot “Spanish” Chocolate PHP 85

We asked what kind of chocolate they use. The waiter said “Hershey’s” but retracted and said he’d check. When he returned, he said they use Spanish chocolate. When the drink arrived, it tasted Hershey’s. *Grins*

Grape Shake PHP 80

Very refreshing and not too sweet

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/467/08_0531-_Las_Paellas

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: Greenhills, Intercare, Las Paellas, Promenade, Restaurants, Scoliosis, Spanish Cuisine

Cat is out of the Bag of Beans

April 3, 2008 by Janey

It was a Saturday of nonstop eating, as how most of our weekends go, whether in town or out. Bubba surprised me with a lunch date in Tagaytay. My mind started wandering off, guessing where it was going to be.

fos2

Flavors of Spain

We came to the parking lot of then newly renovated Taal Vista Hotel. If I tried my darn hardest, I still wouldn’t be able to guess since it was a nomadic food event traveling from Tagaytay to as far as the Pearl Farm in Davao. This Spanish Food Festival was held in all Fuego-managed properties, Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay, Club Punta Fuego and Terrazas de Punta Fuego in Batangas. The event brought to us by the Spanish Embassy and Allied Domecq.

fos3

We had a taste of the different flavors of Spain, the destination where Magellan looted our spices. Master Chef Mikel Arriet Arruiz from the Basque region of Spain was flown in the country to bring in exceptional cuisine and delightful food.

fos4

The usual favorites were gleaming in the buffet table. Included are seafood paella, callos, bacalao, gazpacho, roasted lamb, garlic shrimps and ensalada. I noted that the selection was not as many as I expected. There was also a range of tapas. The dessert section however was surprisingly Pinoy with a variety of rice cakes, but they also had chocolate and strawberry tarts.

fos10

There was a presentation of different Spanish and Pinoy cultural dances. I was particularly entertained with the fire-eating performance.

fos1

As how all buffet goes, we stuffed our faces until we were as huge as hippo faces. There was an impressive magic show on the side for the kids. The kids were too smart for the clowns –it was a pity. Before taking coffee, we went to the Ridge of the hotel and took in the scenery of Tagaytay.

Nurture Spa

After lunch, we drove around Tagaytay and looked at the different restaurants situated at the hill. Bubba then took a turn at a small side street going to the more residential area of Yagatyat. A few more corners and we hit Nurture Spa, which was part of Bubba’s weekend plan. (A separate post on this!)

nurturespa

Taaleña

After our relaxing massage, we decided to eat again. This time I treated him at Taaleña so he can try out the crispy tawilis there. We ordered that and rice! Haha. This was only about 2 hours after our lunch at Taal Vista.

Bag of Beans

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Still unsettled over what we ate, we trooped to Bag of Beans –a small coffee sanctuary on the hills of Tagaytay. Quietly nestling along the main highway in Tagaytay. A staircase leads you to a beautiful garden and their restaurant. The Tagaytay ambience fits perfectly with Bag of Beans’ for the vibe the interior gives is charming, sophisticated and intimate.

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The cheesecake of Bag of Beans is one of the best I’ve tasted, which had two layers: not overly sweet whipped cream and a creamy and wonderful cheesecake filling. The cheesecake flavor wasn’t subtle at all but it wasn’t overwhelming as well. It had the right consistency of cream and cheese. The graham crust was not too starchy. The softness was enough to blend with the cheesecake bite. The thickest sweet blueberry topping spooned over the top made every bite perfect.

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We wanted to try the coffee alamid but unfortunately they stopped serving it a year ago, so we settled for the hot chocolate which was a great partner to the heavenly cheesecake.