I got a call from a friend earlier last week saying something about dinner on the 29th to celebrate the year that was. Something about reservations and all that stuff but then I heard the magic name, ANTONIO'S... I had to say YES to this invite.
You see, I've heard of this famous restaurant that's quietly nestled in the hills of Tagaytay City. I simply couldn't resist actually eating there (even when I already knew I'd be in for a major food expense).
The co-worker friends and I drove off to Tagaytay City in the afternoon to catch our 5:30PM reservations. To our surprise, the gates were closed and the sign saying "CLOSE" (funny they use that instead of the correct term "CLOSED"). We thought they'd actually closed the place for some reason or another but after ten minutes, the gates opened. We later found out that they really are quite strict with the reservations since they had to ask us who we were and under whose name our reservations were under while we were still in the car.
Entering the compound was already intriguing enough as we drove through a pebble stoned driveway and then met by this quaint facade with matching mini pond or fountain. We were greeted by a charming lady clad in a chambermaid outfit. All too reminiscent of the Visayan aristocratic heritage I am familiar with since I was a kid during summers in Cebu. Anyway, we were asked where we would like to be seated and while walking along the halls of the huge structure of a house, I couldn't help but be in awe of how elaborate the setting was. Can I say ULTRAFAB! We chose a table that could seat our party of 6 and have a nice view of the sprawling garden.
We then got a bottle of Australian Shiraz (due to my fondness of this type of wine) and they had one from a good year too. Coupling it with a flavorful dish of Portabello Mushrooms for starters was just fantastic. We were just enjoying conversations while waiting for the rest of the party.
It was a surprise to use when the owner of the resto approached us giving a brief of his specialties for the day which included the fresh oysters imported from the Visayas and the Duck Liver that would go well with the salad.
I went through the menu and would get lost in some of the unfamiliar words that I'd text a friend I know who'd be more knowledgeable what a Doversole would be. I ended up ordering the Barbecued Beef Ribs with carmelized onions and a serving of mashed potatoes. While waiting for the food we remember ordering baked oysters that simply tasted divine.
Stupid us didn't realize that a salad, soup and dessert came with the main entree so we were relieved that we won't be spending more. We had our meals served by our very own waiter, Larry. We'd tease him sometimes that we shouldn't be hassling him for the next course immediately after eating the course prior.
Finishing the whole meal with a nice flourless chocolate cake (as recommended by Antonio a.k.a. Tonyboy himself) and coffee. YUMMY!
All I could say after that food trip is, just like amazing sex, I WANT SOME MORE!!! :D
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