It was drizzling at the time, and the staff were readying the chairs and tables as we came in. Fortunately the light rain soon subsided, and the heavy plastic covers were lifted from the Tuscan-style windows so we could all enjoy the view. This was my third time there, and new things catch my fancy every time. These bric-a-brac on the wall of their Sunset Lounge are interesting counterpoints to the greenery outside.
I was actually intrigued by the menorah.
The place had a kind of "shabby chic" vibe. The solihiya chairs evoked images of a genteel era long ago.
This wall hanging with colored glass, as well as the vase of flowers in the corner, added to the comfortable feeling, encouraging one to just sit back and lounge around.
The lighting fixtures were conversation pieces themselves. I particularly liked the chandelier.
These yellow flowers added bright punches of color to the dining tables.
The cold water was served in a glass pitcher with a crocheted cover -- a really quaint touch.
Then it was time for eating. Hurray!
There was freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven. I was again trying to make a yin-yang symbol from the olive oil and balsamic vinegar (see the post about Buon Giorno), haha!
The soup for the day was a hearty vegetable, bean and bacon (or was it ham?) soup. It was very flavorful, the veggies being neither too mushy nor too raw, retaining just the right crunch. The ham complemented the flavors beautifully, and the beans rounded it all up.
I always look forward to their Aegean Salad -- very fresh, with a tangy dressing that tickled the palate without being overwhelming. There was grilled pear, Italian ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, roasted pistachios on a bed of mixed greens. I was surprised though that this was not part of the set menu any longer which, just earlier this year, included an appetizer, salad, main course, dessert, and drinks.
The first time I went there I had the Classic Shish Kebabs with couscous. I usually steer clear of lamb dishes, as I usually experience a certain after-taste: "maanggo". Marcia Adams' take on this however, removed that bias. There was no after-taste, and the meat chunks were juicy but well-cooked. The onions and peppers were sweetly crunchy. This time around the kebabs were served with rice. The kebabs were a bit overdone, with quite a bit of charring evident. They were still packed with flavor though.
There was also Corsican Beef Stew served with couscous, a thick, hearty dish reminiscent of caldereta and mechado. Full bellies were the result!
All of these were washed down with Bundaberg ginger beer, a non-alcoholic drink that provides a fizzy, clean taste with a hint of ginger and citrus.
Dessert was Grilled Orange with Dairy Ice Cream, and Panna Cotta with Lemon Sauce. The grilled orange was served warm, with dark grill marks attractively cross-hatching the surface of the peeled orange. The cold ice cream contrasted wonderfully with the fruit, and the honey sauce drizzled around the plate added sweetness to the tart flavors. The Panna Cotta looked so pure and simple, its light and tangy taste a refreshing way to cleanse the palate.
After all that feasting, we just had to walk around and explore a bit, just so we could say we got a bit of exercise as well! The grounds certainly evoke images of Italy-- sun-dappled, verdant, drowsily peaceful -- really a little pocket of Tuscany in Tagaytay!
The hallways invite visitors to meander along, and a stroll outdoors provides one with whimsical little surprises here and there, like the cat-shaped plant pot, the head-shaped planters, the burbling fountain, and the bricks lining the outdoor passages.
For those planning to visit their place soon, one just has to be aware that they do not have a credit card facility yet. Notwithstanding this minor detail, the fact remains that Marcia Adams is one of the better eating places in Tagaytay.
Here is a picture of Marcia herself in front of their gate, as she saw us off.
All in all, it was an enjoyable experience. The air was cool, the food was wonderful, the hosts welcoming. Both Neil and Marcia Adams came by to have a short chat, and Marcia accompanied us outside as we said goodbye -- they usually do this with their guests, and I believe this is one of the things that keeps their patrons happy.
Good food attracts guests into coming by. Good service is what keeps them coming back.
