I have always felt a sense of serenity whenever entering Sonya's Garden, a feeling that one is leaving behind -- however fleetingly -- the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It could be because of all the plants that grow in seemingly wild, but ultimately beautiful, profusion, with vividly colored flowers splashing here and there through the green foliage. It could also be due to the muted gurgles of water flowing through various fountains in the garden. Or the wooden benches in cozy little nooks among the greenery that invite curious visitors to sit and stay awhile and just savor this little moment of peace.
Part of what I found quite charming in past visits were the mismatched china -- shabby chic indeed, and one gets a feeling that there are stories behind all the things that could be seen and touched in the place. Even the chairs were not always from the same set, and it somehow made me feel that I was in somebody else's quaint home and not just a commercial establishment where everything should be spanking new and shiny and glitzy. The rustic, yet elegant charm, just gets to me.
Over the years the business has expanded, and there are now more visitors patronizing the place, so much so that the dining area has been expanded. We were seated in one of the newer wings I believe, and I noticed that our china are now all part of the same set. Somehow it's just not the same, but the place still retains its charm.
We were met at the entrance by a friendly lady who led us to the dining area, even shading us with an umbrella from the heat of the noonday sun. The first table we were given though was right in the path of some of the plant sprinklers, so we would have been showered with little droplets all throughout the meal. Refreshing though it may have been, it was not what we had in mind. We were then led to another dining area, which was actually cozier and more to our taste.
Then the fun began.
The salad greens were brought in, together with the various accompaniments: grated eggs, chopped mango, broad beans, sliced cucumber, pineapple bits, diced papaya and melon, and thinly sliced singkamas. Of course, Sonya's Secret Dressing was served on the side.
Before digging in, as I was preparing to take out the hand sanitizer, my daughter had already made the acquaintance of the flower-scented water in her finger bowl -- and boy, did she love its smell! So much so that she wanted to sprinkle it all over her face as well.
We started in on the salad, and tried to entice the little one. And after much coaxing, she finally said yes... to the eggs! Oh, and she did get some melon cubes and mango as well, but that was it. Well, we did request for a second serving of the grated eggs for her.
Then came the bread -- the hot-off-the-oven, piping-hot, fragrant wheat-with-sesame bread. With it arrived a number of delicious dips: white cheese, mushroom pate, basil pesto, anchovies, black olive tapenade, and bruschetta tomato toppings. I tried them all and I loved the mushroom pate best.
The little finicky eater though agreed to try only the white cheese. Nothing else. Well, at least there was more of the other dips for my husband and myself!
The dalandan juice was very soothing to the palate. The three of us kept on chugging this refreshing drink to help keep the heat of the noonday sun at bay.
Next was the pasta, which was served with two kinds of sauces -- the sun-dried tomato and chicken in cream. I liked them both so well, I experimented with mixing the two sauces and was very satisfied with the combination! The toppings of crispy salmon belly, mushrooms, olives, capers, and ratatouille served to complete this course. A liberal sprinkling of parmesan cheese over everything, and I was set.
So what did our little girl have for this course? Nope, no toppings for her please. Neither did she want any sauce on her pasta. She opted for her very own concoction: mash the grated egg (remember, we asked for a second serving of this?) with some parmesan cheese, add it to the pasta, and put it on the bread as a filling. Yes, she had a pasta sandwich! Kids and their tastes...
After a leisurely meal, when the little one kept on asking for the camera so she could shoot pictures to her heart's content around the dining area, we waited for dessert. First came a slice of rich chocolate cake for each of us -- not too sweet, and the serving was not too overwhelming as well. Then came the turon with bananas and jackfruit, and glazed sweet potato. Tarragon tea was served on the side. Of course, the presence of chocolate cake was much welcomed by our daughter, who kept on giving us chocolate-smeared smiles afterwards.
We decided to take a stroll around, after that filling meal. Our little girl was so happy to be walking amidst flowers and plants she kept on skipping and hopping along. Here and there were some cozy nooks and benches for resting, fountains with softly burbling water, flowers floating on bowls. It was really quite relaxing.
On our way out we then passed by the Panaderia to get some Buddha de Oro (chewy butter cookie with chocolate batter in the center and a dollop of melted chocolate on top) and kalihim (the snack bread of my childhood, that soft bread with the sweetish red filling), as well as some multi-colored pastillas and chocolate tablea.
We also decided to try some alamid coffee, which is from cofee beans partially digested by the civet cat. It is said that the digestive enzymes of the civet cat affect the coffee beans and impart the taste and aroma that makes it one of the most sought-after in the world.
Quite ironic that the pricey coffee people put in their mouths actually owe its value to coming out of a cat's hiney, huh? What does it taste like? We have yet to open the jar.
All in all, it was a Saturday the three of us fully enjoyed.
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