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)

What I Did in Davao Last Year

Before I give the last part of my Bora diaries, here's a breather. This is my 2013 post on Davao--you can see my earlier posts here and here. Here are the highlights of my trips down under.

1. Hotels. I went to an old favorite, and I got the opportunity to try a new one. 

I paid my own way for the Marco Polo Hotel Davao leg. This was my base when I went there solo. 

photo credit: Joseph Cruz

I love the cabanas. I can stay in the whole day if I want to.

I was happy with the susyal hotel room swag.

Later that year I hanged out by the pool. Lovely. For what we ate, go here. 

My early 2013 Davao trip allowed me access to the penthouse, where I enjoyed afternoon tea, with a view. 

At one work-related function, we contracted Park Inn Hotel. It was sleek and modern, but with vibrant colors, it didn't appear aloof. 

Park Inn is part of the SM Group, meaning shopping is just a hop away.

We had durian cheesecake for dessert! I give Park Inn high marks for their food. They do good steak.

2. Restaurants

Travel tip: read the resto recommendations in your planes' in-flight magazine. This was how I discovered Belito's Vineyard, which is tucked away in a residential compound. For my menu recommendations, go here.

The resto was quiet when I went there Sunday. There was only a couple there, aside from me, having early lunch. I found the menu printed on a chalkboard, and the antique ceiling fan, charming.

I already wrote about D' Farmers Market in my earlier post.

In our last visit we tried the D101 durian variant. It tastes like avocado: subtle, delicate, with a slight bite

3. Purchases 

I'm a creature of habit, as you might have noticed in my early posts on Davao. If you happen to be in Aldevinco, I recommend you make a beeline for Coralyn's for good buys. 

This is where I bought my snazzy table-cloth.

I also dropped by American Surplus for pre-loved items: 

A trip to Davao is not complete without scoring mangosteen and pomelo. 

I could finish a tray of mangosteen all by myself.

Despite a week in storage, these pomelos remained juicy.

For those who can't stand fresh durian, Lola Abon's durian ice cream is a good bet. You can also smuggle it into the hotels without raising an alarm. 

That's it for now. I'll post more this year.