Tagaytay Getaway: Marcia Adams

Day 126

An aunt/blogger friend, whom I refer to as Tita D, invited us to go try out a restaurant in Tagaytay. By us, I mean our set of food blogger friends. Unfortunately, it was only Smarla and I who were able to attend the little getaway she planned for us.

Our meeting place was at Starbucks, Greenbelt 1. It was a Saturday that I left my work behind and decided to bring my camera instead. The good part was that the travel to Tagaytay did not burden us. We were in Marcia Adams in just an hour.

While we were still making plans for our little getaway, I already knew we were going to eat at Marcia Adams. But I did not have an idea what the theme of the restaurant was. So I decided to check out other food blogs: Our Awesome Planet, Trip or Treats, and of course Between Bites. When I found out about the theme of the restaurant, I was instantly excited for my visit.

I have long been a fan of quaint cafes and restaurants that pay attention to their furniture, theme and setup. Just like my articles for Sparkazine on Fat Michael's Place, The Room Upstairs, and Cafe 1771; plus Mary Grace for my own blog, I truly appreciate these establishments. It reminds me of a time when I frequented a place in my hometown which made me truly feel at home. Knowing this about Marcia Adams, I decided to trade in my laptop for my camera.

Entering the restaurant, this is what you will find:

Smarla walking outside the restaurant

Parking Area for Marcia Adams

There wasn't a sign for the name of the restaurant so I think it's important to look out for this parking area setup. 

The restaurant

It's a short walk from the entrance with an incline. For those who can't walk this far, they have a car drop off area on the other side.

We made a reservation and they placed us on the table right across the entrance. To my right, this was the view.

Entrance

Looking straight ahead and this is what I saw: 

The balcony

Beyond the balcony

And of course, the wine selections were simply divine...

Wine

 A quaint little corner for lovebirds....

Seats

The Chandeliers

I especially liked their restroom! It was clean and had a great amount of character into it-- so beautiful! 

The restroom was simply divine!

The restroom

 Upon arrival, we were handed the menu.

The Menu

Farmhouse Style Bread, Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

You get to choose an appetizer, main course and dessert for a set price-- which was really good because it just made everything sound more delicious! 

The Appetizer

As an appetizer, we all decided to be healthy and get the Aegean Salad.

Aegean Salad

Aegean Salad

The salad was a mix of fresh greens, grilled Italian Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, roasted pistachios in a herby, tangy dressing. It was also topped with a grilled slice of pear-- which was so wonderful. It completed everything! I love how it tastes so fresh and clean. I think I'll go back to Tagaytay just for this!

The Main Course

Since it was still a Saturday, I decided not to get the lamb or the pork. I'm following my own diet of not eating red meat during Mondays-Saturdays. Sunday is my only cheat day so I stayed true to it during this trip. I ordered the Fish Souvlaki. 

Fish Souvlaki,
Marcia Adams (P700)

Fish Souvlaki
Marcia Adams (P700)

Fish Souvlaki was an order of their "catch of the day." Chunks of marlin was marinated in olive oil, herbs and lemon and put in skewers. Instead of rice, I decided to get couscous. The last time I had it was when I was still in culinary school.

Moroccan Fish Stew
Marcia Adams (P755)

Tita D's order was the Moroccan Fish Stew, another order of fish marinated with harissa and preserved lemons. She also got couscous instead of rice.

Here's Smarla taking a picture of her order

Grilled Aromatic Pork
Marcia Adams (P700)

Since Tita D mentioned that the Grilled Aromatic Pork was one of the restaurant's best sellers, Smarla decided to get it. I was shocked when her order arrived because it was a really big slice of pork. Despite Smarla's size, I have trouble keeping up with the amount of food she eats! The girl can eat a lot and not gain any fat! I envy her for it. :( 

The Dessert

For dessert, Tita D and I got the Banana Split with Chocolate Ice Cream. 

Banana Split with Chocolate Ice Cream 

Banana Split with Chocolate Ice Cream

It was literally banana split into two halves-- the skin was even on the plate! The ice cream was so rich and delicious! 

Meanwhile, Smarla got the Fried Bananas with Dark Chocolate Dip

Fried Bananas with Dark Chocolate Dip

Fried Bananas with Dark Chocolate Dip

The Fried Bananas with Dark Chocolate Dip looked like Churros con Tsokolate! I'm so excited to make this dish next time! :) 

Time for the bill... 

What I love about Marcia Adams is the atmosphere of the restaurant, the stellar food, and the friendly host. I loved the fact that it was really home cooked and you had time to converse with your friends. If you're in a hurry, Marcia Adams is not the place for you. You really need to be patient and enjoy everything because the food is really worth the wait! I can't wait to go here with my dad and sister!

Marcia Adams' is located along the border of Tagaytay and Alfonso, Cavite across Ville Sommet.

To go to Marcia's, just drive all the way to Tagaytay and turn right at the Tagaytay Rotonda.
Go all the way to Alfonso, Cavite. You will pass by the restaurants along the Ridge, the Mendez intersection, and the turn to Antonio's.

You turn right when you see the Tagaytay Arch with Pineapples, and Residence Inn on your left. You should see a sign leading to Ville Sommet. You will see the entrance of Tuscany on your left.

Directions from OAP blog.

For reservations, text 0917-801-1456.

The Sexy Chef Delivers!

Ever since I moved to live on my own, I have always been battling with what I should eat everyday. More often than not, I end up having a fast food company deliver food to my condo because I am too lazy to prepare, cook and wash dishes. If you're dealing with more than 10 articles per day, every single minute matters. This is why I prefer to have food delivered to me instead of cooking it on my own.

Don't get me wrong-- I do know how to cook. If you've been following my blog for the past few months, you'd see some of my own recipes that I shared here. Also, you already know that I'm a Culinary Arts School dropout. I quit because I was very depressed that time-- different story!

Anyway yes, I know how to cook but I'm just lazy that I still have so much work to do afterwards. I've even considered hiring a stay out help to prepare my food and even help out in cleaning my condo. But because I do not want to rely on someone's help while I still can, I choose not to do this. So yes, I have to deal with a constant struggle of deciding what to eat, which fast food to deliver my food, or if I should cook (by some miracle).

I've already been living alone for 5 months and the experience has been overwhelming-- at times positive, sometimes depressing. But it's part of life, I know. Throughout this time, I have often had food delivered to my condo. It's probably an average of 2 times per week because sometimes I also eat in food courts (so I can save money and eat healthy). I've even organized all the flyers I have received in a single folder-- that way I can just flip through them whenever I'm in the mood to have something delivered.

The following are among the many food delivers that I like:

1. McDonald's - Fast and reliable. I really love that there's no minimum order, instead they have a delivery charge. I think everyone should have it.

2. Wendy's - I love their fried chicken! Have you tried it? It's big and juicy!!! :)

2 pieces-- 1 for lunch, 1 for dinner :)

3. Mang Inasal - When I'm in the mood to eat inasal, I order through Mang Inasal. But this is rare because the minimum delivery fee is normally perfect for 2 or more people.

4. Tapa King - I like their Tapa Flakes, that's all.

So anyway, I really like the above fast food chains. But because they often cost so much and they're unhealthy, I try to avoid them whenever I can. Ever since I started drinking L-Carnitine, I've made a conscious effort to avoid eating in fast food joints. I've even changed my eating habits. I still have to find time to go to the gym, but hey-- that's a start right?

Even before The Biggest Loser Philippines started to air, I've already checked out The Sexy Chef. I've kept myself up to date if ever there are some promos that they will offer that I could join. I really want to try Lose Big Diet but it's just so expensive and out of my budget. In no way am I able to afford the P950 daily price for food to be delivered to my doorstep. So it's really frustrating. I really want to eat healthy but why is it that healthy foods are more expensive?

When I visited The Sexy Chef's website, I found a page where they had ala carte menus. I decided to give them a try because they can deliver a minimum of 2 orders + P50 delivery charge. For 2 days, I decided to have The Sexy Chef prepare my meals.

I placed my order ahead of time through email for Friday and Saturday. But because I went to the I'm Shoe in Love Bazaar on Saturday, I had to cancel Friday evening. Thankfully, they were accommodating and allowed me to do this. I told them to schedule the delivery for Monday instead. On Friday, my order arrived on time. Their rider was even friendly.

I was only able to take a picture of my Friday menu: Spanish Meatless Meatballs (P99) and the Fish Salpicao with Garlic Mushroom (P140). Because the former had tomato sauce, I decided to eat it for lunch.

The Sexy Chef

I've never been a fan of food that had tomato sauce in it other than pasta so I decided to give them a try. I know that it was just because I did not like tomato sauce but I wouldn't order it again. If you like to eat food with tomato sauce, I would advise you to eat this. I just really made a wrong move and wanted to see if I could finally teach myself to eat this dish.

Spanish Meatless Meatballs
The Sexy Chef (P99)

For dinner, that's when I knew I had made the rice choice. I loved their Fish Salpicao! It had brown rice at the bottom and the fish was cooked perfectly-- it wasn't dry and did not have any small bones (which I hate). I especially appreciated the fact that they prepared the sauce separately. At first, I was worried that they would mix the sauce with the fish and that it would get bad by dinner time. But when I got the delivery, I was so pleased!

Fish Salpicao with Garlic Mushroom
The Sexy Chef (P140)

That day's meal costed only P289 (including delivery charge). It was far less cheaper compared to what I normally pay for deliveries from fast food joints. And yes, it was HEALTHIER. I'd definitely order again from The Sexy Chef! I'm just fixing my schedule right now because I have impromptu meetings and things to do outside the condo.


*For inquiries and orders, visit The Sexy Chef's website: thesexychef.ph. Or call 02.721.SEXY (7399).

Starbucks: Sorta Like a Real Library

Today, I held office in a new place -- Starbucks in Standard Chartered Building, Makati.

Although having office in a Starbucks branch was not alien to me, it was the fact that this particular branch had a new set up that truly attracted me to it.

I felt like I was being transported to one of those movie scenes in the US libraries. It truly felt like it.

But other than that, it was a great move for Starbucks to have switched a portion of their regular coffee tables to this sort of library desk. Since cafes have now turned into the modern day's internet cafe and library, it is good to know that Starbucks has gone the extra mile for this. Plus, these tables can actually accommodate individual guests who want to use their computer while drinking their coffee or tea (a.k.a. ME). They also have available power sources for these tables!

Great job Starbucks Standard Chartered Building! More please!

This branch is located at Standard Chartered Building, 6788 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Telephone: 02 886 7143. Operating hours: 6:30am - 12:30am (Monday-Friday) closed on weekends. To check out other Starbucks' branches in the Philippines, open this link: http://philippines.starbucks.com/en-US/_Our+Stores/

Mary Grace Cafe: A Homey Place to Work

With my work requiring me to spend all day hooked to the internet, it comes to no surprise why I can be spotted in different cafes around the metro. If I'm not drinking coffee, I'm usually ordering tea. While there are some cafes that have exceptional food, I really can't say the same for the rest. But because I need to be hooked to the internet and to a power source, it is only practical why I would sacrifice taste just so I could get work done.

With so many people who are now frequenting cafes and are staying there for several hours, it can be hard to spot an area you can stay in. When I'm in Greenbelt, my first selection would always be the CBTL branch in GB3. But since there are so many people who are always there, I would walk all the way to CBTL-Residences to try my luck. Often, I am lucky. But for the rare instances where I don't have a place to work in, I check out Seattle's Best and then Figaro (Greenbelt 3). My selection has always been so limited. 

Thankfully, Mary Grace Cafe opened a branch in Greenbelt 2. I think they opened around April or May this year. Since I'm no stranger to this quaint cafe, I found it only fitting that I should try out this branch. I usually eat in their Serendra branch but it's too far. So when I discovered the GB2 branch, I was so excited!

Mary Grace Cafe in Greenbelt 2

Mary Grace Cafe in Greenbelt 2

When I first dined in this branch, I was very pleased with their interiors. It had the same appeal as their other branch-- only it was more spacious this time. I was really pleased to know that they have installed free Wi-Fi to all their guests. Plus, most of their tables had an extension cord so diners could plug in their laptops. I only have an issue with their extension cords because they plug each extension cord to another extension cord. My laptop's plug has a melted portion on the top because of this. I even encountered one incident where it kept sparking. :( I wish they would change their extension cords so they could avoid accidents. 

Handmade Chandeliers

I especially love the second floor-- where there was a children's corner available on one side of the room.

Children's Corner

I also like the garden area because it's so warm and colorful-- green and vibrant. Unfortunately, the time I sat there, two girls sat next to me and smoked cigarettes. Despite all the hullabaloo about MMDA's new ordinance against smoking in public places, this did not seem to apply to them. Because I did not want to get another acute pneumonia condition, I decided to transfer inside. 

Garden area

It was too perfect! They had homey interiors, cozy ambiance, free Wi-Fi, plugs, and delicious food-- the only downfall was that their food was a bit pricey.

I know they offer quality food and the price is fine for how delicious the food is-- but I can't go there on a daily basis. Well, I can but I'll just have to end up ordering my favorite drinks and snacks. I think this is no problem though because their food has never disappointed me-- ever. Here are some of my favorite foods and drinks from Mary Grace Cafe:

1. Smoked Salmon & Cream Pasta

The pasta for those who are on a semi-diet. Let's just call it a cheat day okay? :) 

Smoked Salmon & Cream Pasta
P 251

2. Grilled Cheese Roll

You can choose to have it grilled or classic-- either way works.

Grilled Cheese Roll
P 42/ each

3. Homemade Iced Teas

You can order by glass or by pitcher-- the pitcher serves 2-3 people abundantly. My favorite is the Wild Raspberry. 

Peach Homemade Iced Tea
P 75 (glass)/ P 224 (pitcher)

4. Sansrival Cake

Oh and did I mention they have the best Sansrival cake in Manila?

Sansrival
P 90 (slice)/ P 230 (mini)/ P 610 (whole 8x8x2 inches)

So if you want good food, ambiance and a relaxed dining experience, Mary Grace Cafe in Greenbelt 2 should be your choice!

*Pictures of Mary Grace (the establishment) have been borrowed from their Facebook Page. Visit their website to find out more information about them. www.marygracecafe.com/

Sango!: Japanese Burgers in Town!

Posted as another entry for Juice.ph's Write Some Juice contest. Please don't forget to vote for me! 

While everyone is on the hunt for the best burgers in town, there's one burger joint that should not escape anyone's scrutiny. Called Sango!, this burger restaurant is best known as a Japanese burger station. Who would have ever thought that the Japanese had more to their menu than the typical sushi, tempura, and ramen? In fact, who would have ever thought that the Japanese had burgers of their own kind? Certainly, Sango is one restaurant that lets everyone in on the secret. 

Although it is not relatively a new restaurant, it has expanded quite vastly over the recent years. Opening branches all over the metro, it has allowed each individual to have an opportunity to dine in a nearby branch close to their home. Originally, Sango! can be found in the close proximity of the Little Tokyo complex across Makati Cinema Square. Now, there are branches in Edsa Shangrila mall (Ortigas), Powerplant mall, Rockwell (Makati) and in South Supermall (Alabang).

I used to frequent the original branch-- Creekside Mall (Makati) with my friends. But ever since I moved, I preferred going to the branch in Powerplant Mall because it felt a bit more homey. 

Sango! Rockwell Branch

It still had the trademark flat screen LCD TV which showcased some of the famous Japanese TV shows and anime. They also have a variety of anime books and Japanese newspapers available for those who are waiting for their order. 

Japanese library!

While many love their Master Burger and Master Cheese Burger, it is also good to experiment with the other dishes from time to time. The other popular favorites include theYakiniku Rice Burger, Teriyaki Burger, Master Double Burger,Maccha Asuki Cornflake Shake, and the Master Fries. They also have options for those who don't eat beef such as the Fish Burger, Chicken Curry Burger, and their selection of healthy salads: Fresh Salad and the Goboh Salad.  


Ever since Sango! released their Curry Beef Rice Burger, I was immediately hooked. It was not like any typical burger. Here are the reasons why this burger is so different from the rest:

Sango!'s Curry Beef Rice Burger (P180)

1. It does not use bread. Instead, it is sandwiched by Japanese rice tightly formed like a burger patty. 


2. There's no burger patty. Instead, the Curry Beef Rice burger has thinly sliced pieces of beef marinated with a Japanese curry sauce. It is then topped with cabbage and a special sauce with it. 


I suggest eating this burger with a fork because it can get pretty messy. But it will be so worth it! 


Don't forget to pair this burger with a side order of Master Fries and Calpis Soda so you can get a free upsize for your drink.

Free Upsize!!!

Master fries are wedge fries covered with a Japanese beef sauce, the same sauce that they put on the Master Burger and Master Cheese Burger. On the side, you have ketchup and sliced onions to complete your meal. 

Sango!'s Master Fries, regular size (P115)

Calpis soda is a refreshing alternative to water or ordinary soda. It tastes pretty much like Sprite but has a sweeter aftertaste. 

Calpis Soda, (P50)

With a different taste and exquisite interiors, it's no wonder why Sango! is called The Burger Master. 

Flavored Beer: Something New, Bacon Fries: Something Weird

I have recently discovered some very weird yet interesting things.

I was browsing through Facebook a few weeks back when I saw someone rave about Flavored Beer. Since I usually drink beer, I found it normal for me to want to explore and discover how it tasted. After a few research and hunts, I was able to find where this was being offered- The Offbeat Cafe at The Collective, Malugay.

I've always wanted to go to The Collective but I never had the guts to go there. Plus I didn't have anyone to come with me. So when Writers Block Philippines held a Networking Night, I finally decided it was time to check out this "indie" haven.

I was a bit disappointed when I discovered the Collective. I was expecting to find a place somewhat similar to Cubao X or The Gypsy Tea Room (a local cafe I frequented in Bacolod). I found that the Collective was more for college students and it wasn't really my crowd. Still, this did not disappoint me. I was on a quest to try the flavored beer, and so on I went.

If you're wondering why The Offbeat Cafe is so familiar, it's the same stall that can be found in Mercato-- which sells the Offbeat Burger (a burger patty sandwiched between a regular Krispy Kreme donut). Weird isn't it? Well, you'll be surprised to know that it wasn't the only thing I found weird in this hole in the wall cafe.

Aside from the flavored beer-- Strawberry Beer or Melon Beer, I also got to try the Bacon Fries. I was initially expecting to receive an order of fries topped with bacon bits. But no. My friends and I got a dish with 5-6 long bacon strips deep fried with a coating. At P190, I don't think it was worth it because I did not get to taste any bacon. There was more breading than bacon, so it was a bit disappointing.

Bacon Fries with a spicy Caesar dip

Bacon Fries with a spicy Caesar dip

I was also a bit disappointed when I found that they only offered the unlimited flavored beer on Fridays and Saturdays. So I had to make do with 1 order of Strawberry Beer at P90. (The unlimited option costs P250).

This is actually red. 

Anyway, I wasn't too thrilled with the Strawberry beer either. I mean, yes, it was different. It was odd. I did fancy the taste but it was ... weird. I think it will take some getting used to. But at P90 per bottle, I would prefer a more recent discovery I had: Flavored San Miguel Beer.

Yes, you read it right. Everyone's favorite beer has included a new product in its lineup of sorts. I can't really say this has been launched because I've only seen it in a few locations, like select 7/11 branches in Makati and in a restaurant in the 1st floor of Greenbelt 3. I don't remember the name of the restaurant but it's right beside Starbucks. I think it's Via Mare. (Will confirm later).

I'm not sure how much it costs in the Greenbelt restaurant but if you buy it in 7/11, it's only P28 per bottle. So my friends and I make sure we choose this option.

Yep, that's from the 7/11 branch across A. Venue, Makati Ave.

I've tried both the Apple Flavor San Miguel Beer and the Lemon Flavor San Miguel Beer. I like both but the Apple flavor has a better taste. When you drink the Lemon flavor, it tastes like you're still drinking San Miguel Light only it doesn't have the bitter aftertaste. On the other hand, the Apple flavored beer tastes like you're drinking Cali Shandy.

Be warned! Be very afraid of it! 

Be warned though, the Apple Flavored beer is highly addictive. I can normally drink up to 6 bottles of SML without feeling drunk. But I can't even finish 1 bottle of the Apple flavored beer because I get sleepy.

Anyway, that's all for my recent discoveries. Let me know which one you prefer. :)