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TAALEñA WEEKEND

Been months since my last visit in Tagaytay.  If I can remember correctly, the last time I've set foot in Tagaytay was February of this year.  I went to Taal Vista Hotel for a weekend getaway.  Since I need some fresh air to clear my head, my friends & I paid Tagaytay a visit yesterday.  Even though it was just a day trip, we enjoyed the place a lot.

Our first stop was Taaleña.  It was our first time to dine in this restaurant.  Whenever we want to eat something Pinoy, we often go to Leslie's.  So this time, we went to try something new which also comes with the majestic view of the volcano.

We chose to sit by the terrace so we can have a view of Taal Volcano.  Good thing storm Santi didn't stay long so we were able to enjoy a good weather paired with the chilly breeze of Tagaytay.  Once seated, the menu was handed to us and soon it was order time.

Sinigang na Baka

DEATH BY XOCOLAT

After a filling dinner at Zao Vietnamese Bistro, we headed to Cafe Xocolat for some mean chocolate treat!

Xocolat, to the Aztecs of Mexico, means "bitter water".  They associated chocolates with their Goddess of Fertility, Xochiquetzal, and with their God of Fertility, Maya.

Wow.  If this is the case, then there's no need to go to Obando to offer eggs eh?

Back to my story, since it was a nice breezy night, we opted to grab a table outside.  Their menu was oozing with different selections of chocolates- from hot to cold to frozen, from milk to dark, from creamy to thick.  They also offer cakes, pasta dishes and sandwiches.  But since we came for desserts, desserts we got.

First to arrive was my Frozen Hot Xocolat.

Frozen Hot Xocolat- Php165.00

I know you're going to ask me, "Why frozen & hot?".  I actually asked the wait staff the same thing.  He said that the dark chocolate ice cream is frozen into mini balls and meant to be eaten as a whole.  It's like a size of a gumball.  He said that once you pop it in your mouth, your tongue will feel numb because of the freezing coldness so it's as if you took something spicy.  We all tried it and yep, it was cold cold cold.  We all laughed when we saw each other because we looked like a bunch of weirdos with mumps.  The ice cream slowly melted in the mouth and that was the time I started to taste the lovely bitterness of the chocolate.  Those frozen balls were just fantastic!

The rest of our orders arrived shortly.

 

ZAO VIETNAMESE BISTRO NIGHT

The last time I saw Chichacorn was over 2 years ago.  Ever since she relocated to Cebu, all our attempts to meet each other either here in Manila or in Metro Cebu were never granted.  Good thing, our stars aligned last night and we were able to finally reconnect along with a couple of great friends.

Since we want to try something new, we went to Zao Vietnamese Bistro in Serendra.

The place is oozing with red all over.  From the table napkins, to the seat cushions, to the wall decor.  It felt like Christmas and Valentine's.  But the warm reds were balanced out by the browns and whites of the placemat, walls, tables and chairs.  The whole effect- warm and inviting.

After studying the menu for what seemed like hours, we finally made up our minds and placed our orders.

It didn't take long for the first dish to arrive.

Crispy Spring Rolls- Php195.00

Then after 10 minutes, the rest of our orders came.

Barbeque Chicken- Php245.00

DINNER AT LUSSO

Long overdue.

My friends and I talked about this Lusso dinner way back August 2009.  Good thing our hectic calendar cleared up last weekend making it possible for us to get together and visit Lusso.

Located in Greenbelt 5 (GB5), Lusso is this posh champagne bar owned by Margarita Fores.  Since it was a good night, we decided to go al fresco.  The men in white led us to our seats and presented to us the menu.  After placing our orders, that was the time I got to admire the place.  The combination of light olive green and champagne-colored cushioned seats were refreshing to the eyes and the chandelier that was once The Peninsula Manila's gave that sophisticated touch.  I also loved the fact that they served us water with lime.  It saved me the effort of asking for either a lime or lemon wedge for my water.

Soon enough, our Truffle Potato Crisps arrived.

Truffle Potato Crisps- Php150.00

After 10 minutes, the rest of our orders arrived.

A GREEK WEEKEND AT MANO'S

I think it was last year when I had my first taste of Greek cuisine.  It was in Cyma at Greenbelt 2.  And it's about time I try another restaurant.  That's the reason why my good friends and I drove to Tagaytay to enjoy Mano's Greek Taverna's grub.

I have been hearing a lot of good things about this restaurant and I was so excited that I finally had the time to visit!  The facade isn't as fancy as Cyma but once you enter Mano's Greek Taverna, you'll instantly feel at home.  While scanning the menu, I noticed that I want to order almost everything!  Good thing I was with my friends so we can order lots and I'll be able to get a taste of the dishes.

After placing our orders, our food arrived in less than 20 minutes.

Greek Salad- Php180.00

Saganaki- Php180.00