December 30, 2021 Zambales, Philippines
We all have that one favorite place that we always find ourselves coming back to—in my case, it's CASA San Miguel in Zambales.
If you haven't read my previous post about CASA San Miguel yet, it serves as the home of the world renowned violinist Coke Bolipata, and a community center that includes a school for the arts and music, art gallery and museum, cafe and a bed and breakfast facility. CASA also means two things: first is home, and the other is Center for the Arts in San Miguel.
Read also: CASA San Miguel: Home Away from Home
From family retreat house to community center
Hospitality at its finest
In the words of New York Times food critic Tejal Rao, "hospitality is both invisible and formidable — it surrounds you. You can find it at a rest stop on the highway, and miss it at the host stand of a fine-dining restaurant. You feel its presence, or you don’t."
Sitting under a tree with the fresh air brushing my hair, I blissfully indulged myself in some of CASA San Miguel Zambales' best-sellers, a mix of both my favorites and new ones I haven't tried. Blissfully because it was as if I was the only person in the place. The staff was making me feel comfortable from the moment I stepped into their gate to the time I went out. And this didn't even happen for the first time. When I went there in 2019, they have already impressed me.
It was the afternoon of December 12. I didn't even tell them it was my birthday that day. So I was really surprised that they remembered my special day. I thought it was going to be just another brunch day out, but my 27th birthday turned out a lot more special than I anticipated it would be, thanks to CASA San Miguel Zambales.
At CASA, I felt cared for and this is something only a few establishments have made me feel. I wouldn't mind driving 4 to 6 hours again just to get a bite of their pizza.
CASA San Miguel Zambales
So now, I will be listing all the details you need to know about CASA and some of my food recommendations.
Address: Evangelista St., Brgy. San Miguel 2206 San Antonio, Zambales
Budget for meals: PHP 1,000 for two
Food: 8.5/10
Overall look: 8/10
Hospitality: 11/10
Is CASA San Miguel Zambales open now? Yes they are open
Kids allowed? Yes!
Contact information: info@casasanmiguel.org | (+632) 8551 1003
Food we tried at CASA San Miguel
- Classic Carbonara (PHP 500) good for sharing
- 10-inch pan-style Zambaleño pizza (PHP 568) - This pizza includes egg and longganisa
- Breakfast longganisa
If you want to know my experience with their other food offerings, read this: CASA San Miguel: Home Away from Home
October 31, 2021 Tanay, Rizal, Philippines
Apart from great food, what makes a dining experience oh-so-perfect is a kick ass view! Wyndell's Al Fresco in Tanay, Rizal gives you just that.
Before you enter this Tanay restaurant's premises, you will be welcomed by a quaint cafe with a rooftop dining area. If you're coming from a long descent and you just want to take a quick break, there you can sip a hot coffee while enjoying the cool breeze of Tanay.
Wyndell's Al Fresco is not like any other restaurants in Tanay you'd see because it's separated into three sections: cafe, samgyupsal area, and the main dining area. So upon entering the restaurant, you'd see a rustic dining area on your left perfect for a romantic date. Just a few steps down and you'll see their samgyupsal area. But if you want to enjoy a full-blown Wyndell's experience, take the best spot in the main dining area with mountains and trees as your backdrop. Trust me when I say the view is overwhelmingly beautiful, especially during sunset. If you arrive around 5pm, the sun will touch your skin, giving you an instant glow or a warm filter for a photo op.
This al fresco dining in Tanay, Rizal offers a wide variety of dishes, catering to those who are always on-the-go, Korean BBQ lovers, and for special celebrations. As for us, we tried some of their sandwiches, pasta, and a pizza.
Philly Cheesestake (PHP 280)
Not the usual Philly Cheesesteak sandwich that will have you give up at 3rd bite. It's good!
BBQ Burger (PHP 350)
It's small but filling. I loved how the sweet and spicy barbecue sauce matches the sourness of the tomatoes and the double quarter pounder patties that taste just right (not too bland, not too salty).
Gamberi Aglia e Olio Pappardelle (PHP 350)
I never thought I'd like an oil-based pasta at first try!
Basil Honey Pepperoni Pizza (PHP 350)
For the pizza, I think I expected too much though. I like the consistency but it's too sweet for a pizza, for me.
Although it's a bit pricier than other Tanay, Rizal restaurants, overall, I'm completely satisfied with my dining experience at Wyndell's Al Fresco Tanay. I'll be coming back to try their breakfast menu. Hopefully soon!
If you've ever been here or just planning to visit, let me know in the comment box below your thoughts! :)
Wyndell's Al Fresco
Address: Km. 58, Marilaque Highway (Marikina-Infanta Highway), Tanay, Rizal
Operation hours: 7am to 8pm
Budget for meals: PHP 1,000 for two
Food: 8.5/10
Overall look: 8/10
Hospitality: 9/10
Is Wyndell's Al Fresco open now? Yes they are open
Kids allowed? Yes!
For more information, you can check out their official Facebook page.
March 7, 2021 Tanay, Rizal, Philippines
Ricardo's Vista del Cielo
Operation hours: 5am to 6pm
Budget for meals: PHP 500 for two
Food: 5/10
Overall look: 10/10
Hospitality: 9/10
January 12, 2021 San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines
To travel to new destinations is to absorb the beauty and history of a place, but some places truly take us back in time and allow us to get a glimpse of another world in a different era—Sulyap Gallery Cafe, Boutique Hotels and Restaurant is one proof.
Our tour guide said the property was originally named as Sulyap sa Pamana because the owner inherited the land (if I remember correctly) from his father. However, since there are lots of establishments named Pamana, they decided to rename it to Sulyap instead. Sulyap is a Filipino word meaning to glance, to see something just for a moment.
As we set our feet on its ground, we were greeted by old traditional Filipino houses-turned-hotel and restaurant. The traditional Filipino homes may have dwindled but echoes of its presence can be seen and experienced at Sulyap Gallery Cafe in San Pablo, Laguna.
These houses were brought from various provinces in the Philippines. The owner rebuilt the old houses and worked hard to maintain each house's original materials. He said he didn't really change much of it and about 90% of the houses have their original parts.
Photos from Sulyap Gallery Cafe, Boutique Hotels & Restaurant
There's also a museum across the restaurant where you can see a whole floor full of the owner's antique collection.
And as for the food, I really can't say much except that it was undeniably good. All the dishes we ordered were fit to any person's taste. I love their sinigang na liempo (PHP 430), bistek tagalog (PHP 450), lechong kawali (PHP 430), and my favorite, the sizzling mixed seafoods (PHP 495). Best of all, it won't let you break the bank as its prices are reasonable. The crew also deserves a credit because everyone was very accommodating — giving you a complete Filipino experience because of their good traits.
More than being a restaurant and boutique hotel, Sulyap Gallery Cafe is a bridge to the past letting us in to an old world charm to experience the Filipino culture in all its glory.
Sulyap Gallery Cafe, Boutique Hotels & Restaurant
Address: Brgy. Del Remedio, Cocoland Compound 4000 San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines
Operation hours: 10am to 6pm
Budget for meals: PHP 1,000 for two
Sulyap Gallery Cafe Room Rates:
With Breakfast
- 4 guests in a room - PHP 5,800
- 5 guests in a room - PHP 7,000
- 6 guests in a room - PHP 8,100
Extra Bed - PHP 1,000
Without Breakfast
- 4 guests in a room - PHP 5,100
- 5 guests in a room - PHP 6,125
- 6 guests in a room - PHP 7,050
Extra Bed - PHP 825
November 6, 2020 Seoul, South Korea
1. Chocolate-Coated Strawberries
2. Odeng (Eomuk Tang)
3. Tteokbokki, Breaded Prawns
4. 32cm Ice Cream
When in Myeongdong, you should definitely try this famous ice cream. It's creamy but rough in texture. Imagine, though it was raining and the temperature was 6°C, we still tried it and did not regret it.Price: 2,000 won
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