TAGAYTAY: ANTONIO'S

I have the sweetest boyfriend who always knows how to keep it fresh.

While I was in Hong Kong, Jon planned an "eating outing" to Antonio's in Tagaytay. The place is reservations-only as it's a special destination spot for people who want to get a fantastic dining experience outside the city. Thanks to the clear blue skies and perfect weather, we opted for outside seating near the koi pond. I felt like I was in paradise with all the flowers and foliage that surrounds this home turned casa-esque restaurant. The ambience was so serene with mellow music, pleasant personal servers and the orchestra of food that awaited us.

We were offered the appetizers menu first, which seemed to stress the shellfish types of oysters, shrimp, mussels, and clams. We didn't order the seafood but instead chose to share the portobello mushrooms sauteed in balsamic garlic and the roasted bone marrow, which came with whole wheat bite-sized toasties. Jon is the adventurous orderer, and I tend to be on the safe-er side. You can tell the food is prepared fresh as it takes a little longer to serve, but hey... we didn't drive 2 hours to be finished eating in 2 minutes. After our first course, we were given the set menu which included their meslcun (that grows in their garden!) house salad with candied walnuts, gorgonzola and dried berries, the soup du jour [fresh tomato and capsicum], an entree, and my favorite part of most meals -- dessert.

Their entree menu is the truth! Anything you want, I guarantee it's on the there in gourmet style, irresistible to the pallet, whether you're Patti or not. I had the Chilean sea-bass with asparagus and gorgonzola risotto and Jon had the foil-wrapped beef fillet with rock salt and garlic fries; you know I had me some of those french fries. The dessert menu came after a nice digestive break, and I hope this isn't too predictable but we got the flourless chocolate cake and the dark chocolate souffle. Ok, I know it's predictable but I'm forever a chocoholic what can I say. Overall, this experience was unique and it makes me want to try more destination restaurants in the Philippines. Thanks babe for planning a road trip well worth it!