TASTED: MARCIA ADAMS in TAGAYTAY

Our New Years holidays are usually spent outside of the house. The hubby and I know this goes against the Filipino custom of staying in the house to keep your home bountiful but that's the only time we usually have to ourselves. For the passing of 2014 into 2015, we decided to stay in Tagaytay.

 Though we've been here many times, we wanted to find new places to go to. And so we did.

A friend recommended we try out Marcia Adams, not just for the Mediterranean cuisine but also for the Tuscan ambience.

The place was hard to find. Good thing we had their number and we were able to call for directions. The small yellow signage marked the end of our search.

We were also glad that they didn't turn us away  because we had our dog, Hachiko, with us.

He actually had a grand time exploring the place. With its different secret corners and lush, untamed flora,  it was a Giardano Segreto, a secret garden reminiscent of Medieval monastery cloisters.

There are two houses where one can dine. The main house is divided into 4 dining areas, a main hall, two covered outdoor areas (a smaller one out front and a bigger one at the side) and an alcove behind the house.

From the main dining area, one has a view of their open kitchen.

Adjacent to the main house is a more open space where one can also enjoy a meal with a group or quietly dine for two.

We were ushered to the alcove area. This, I feel, is the area that best gives the idyllic Tuscan impression.

The sunlight pouring in through the picture window is reflected in the different yellow shades of the wall. Time-worn tables covered with lace-trimmed white runners brings out the contrast of the abundant flower settings and colorful glassware. The curios and the wooden beams complete the lived in, homey vibe.

After we feasted our eyes on the wonderful interiors, it was time to enjoy our meal.

The main course comes with an appetizer, a dessert and a drink.  For appetizers, you can choose from the Soup of the Day, Amalfi Prawns and two kinds of salad. Hubby had the prawns while I had the salad.

 

Crispy and succulent, the tender meat of the prawns were seasoned with olive oil and parsley before getting coated in bread crumbs and pan-fried.

The Aegaen salad was actually good for two.  The sweetness of the grilled pear balanced the slight tangy taste of the Ricotta cheese, while the nuts added crunch to the crispy greens. It was served with home made bread, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Then came the Tender Aromatic pork.  The pork loin, which according to the menu was massaged with herbs and spices, was thick but juicy and tender to the bite. The seasoning gave just enough aroma  and flavor. I had rice with it, of course.

The hubby's Spanish Chicken Casserole was given a distinct flavor by the Chorizo Pamplona  and the sherry in which it was stewed in. The chorizo is a hard sausage with finely chopped pork and fat  seasoned with pimentón or smoked paprika.

We were afraid that we wouldn't be able to have dessert because main dish servings were more than generous. Good thing we had hours to spend on lunch. We were on vacation, after all.

For dessert, we had Panna Cotta with Lemon Sauce and Lavender Crème brûlée.

It was a gift to be able to finally have a relaxing, long lunch with the hubby after the hectic year we've both had. Discovering and enjoying a  delightful place like Marcia Adam's, makes the moment worth remembering.

Address: Sikat, Alfonso, 4123 Cavite, Philippines

Telephone: +63 917 801 1456