Marcia Adams: a Touch of Tuscany in Tagaytay

spur-of-the moment dinner. posing for posterity at the Sunset Room

I first visited Marcia Adams in 2011, and for almost three years I wanted to go back and have a Mediterranean meal prepared by the excellent home cook Marcia Adams. lst year, out of the blue I asked a colleague to reserve dinner there. Let's just say we were charmed by the whole experience. The restaurant is at the border of Tagaytay and Alfonso, near Residence Inn Zoo. For what we ate, go here. 

I love establishments that put time and effort to adorn their place with fresh flowers.  

I love the attention to detail. Curiously, Marcia Adams did not make an appearance, but her husband said she cooked every meal. 

I have a soft spot for antique chandeliers.

I first went to Marcia Adams on May 28, 2011. After attending a wedding in Tagaytay, a friend suggested we go to Marcia Adams, which she described as Tuscany tucked away in a corner of Tagaytay. I first came to know about the restaurant in Daphne Osena's blog, but the only thing I can remember is that it's like Sonia's Garden. We didn't have reservations, but the owner, Mr. Marcia Adams, welcomed us still, as  my friend asked him for directions over the phone. It was out-of-the-way, and there was no signage by the gate, but it was love at first sight. The place was overrun by vines and bushes and curio plant holders, an explosion of green--not too studied, but charming nonetheless. 

Pardon the askew pictures. I tried everything to set them right, but this is beyond me. 

Mr. Adams entertained us on both occasions. He was solicitous, very warm and welcoming.

This is my favorite--the vine-covered facade of the restaurant. He said they'll be selling furniture soon.

You can choose to eat indoors with a breath-taking view of the garden.

This is a good outdoor option, but bring some Off Lotion. The restaurant has hosted some small wedding receptions.

The restaurant has re-used antique bricks.

Fans of gardens will enjoy it here. 

Marcia Adams's Tuscany
JP Rizal Street, Tagaytay City
0917-8011456 (tip: just text for reservations)

Cavite's Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm

Close by our satellite office in Tagaytay is the Ilog Maria Honeybee Farms. Located at Silang, Cavite, south of Manila, we usually pass by the area to and from work. After hearing some positive feedback on its pesticides-free, locally-sourced hand-made products, we decided to drop by and see the place.

Watch out for the blue signage along Aguinaldo Highway

The store is housed in a nondescript building, which double as the owner's dwelling. I was looking for the river upon which it's name is based, but it turned out I was taking things literally. Read about it here.

The products are made of honey, pollen, beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly. I'm using the body lotion and honey propolis throat spray.

honey

cider vinegar

shampoo

soaps

essences 

lip balms 

massage oils 

Beside the shop was the bee yard.

I wanted to see the bees up close.

Minus the bees, the farm reminds me of my grandparent's home, where life was unhurried, simple, and love was all around.

A Walk Through Tagaytay City

To get a better grasp of a place, I walk. It’s not for everyone—many of my friends would rather ride a pedicab or jeepney, even for short distances, than hit the pavement. Add the lack of sidewalks, heat and pollution, and the mad onslaught of vehicles make adventure on foot quite challenging. But I was determined to know Tagaytay City in my own terms, and thus, armed with two hours of alone time I started my trek from Tagaytay Rotunda facing south. I then turned right and walked along Nasugbu-Tagaytay Highway. I had one thing in mind: eat fried tawilis (freshwater sardines) at Josephine’s Restaurant. Anything I’d encounter along the way would be a bonus.

On the highway’s left is prime real estate: it affords a breathtaking view of Taal Lake, the third largest lake in the Philippines, and the similarly named volcano in the middle of the lake. Many hotels and restaurants line this area. Tagaytay City, two hours by car from Manila, is also known for its cool climate, making it an accessible escape from the heat of the capital.

It’s supposed to be summer in the Philippines, but because of intermittent rain for the past few days, Tagaytay was chillier than usual. Flowers were abloom, not only in the makeshift stalls along the way, but in empty lots and along the road, making the walk quite pleasant. There were several stalls selling various fruits, among which were the diminutive and aromatic señorita bananas (musa acuminate). I passed by Lourdes Church, trendy restaurants in white, and two places I made a mental note to visit: the Greek tavern Manos and the Inn at the Cliff-house complex. I lost track of time, and was getting quite winded, when I espied Josephine’s, just in front of Summit Ridge Hotel. Mission accomplished. For more on the fried tawalis, visit my food blog.