Food from home: Comfort food

     You can't go wrong with comfort food because it's something familiar to the stomach. It's definitely something everyone looks forward to at any time. ;)

Sole Meuniere

     Would you believe I got the idea for this from Be Careful With My Heart? :D If you're a fan of the show, do you remember Sabel convincing Doris to try her fish with lemon butter sauce? I thought this would be complicated but it's really simple to make. The lemon cuts the richness, perfect blend with the butter.

Pasta Pomodoro

     To help contrast something rich, something tomato based always helps. I saute onions, garlic and herbs with tomato sauce. I used canned stewed tomatoes and blend it. 

Cheesy garlic bread

     If you have pasta, then you should have bread too. I've made this before. I just used whatever bread we had available. This is best with french bread. 

Chocolate cake with custard filling

     This is an all time favorite cake. The last time I made chocolate cake was during college (not too long ago). The recipe I had that time was longer and harder. The chocolate frosting took 2-3 hours to make. Good thing I found a simpler and better recipe. ^_^ This was my first attempt for the custard filling. I always thought making custard was hard because eggs could easily turn into scrambled eggs, but thank goodness that didn't happen. :D

     Just to share the good news, The Bandana Baker chocolate cookies made it again to Spot.ph Top 10 Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies in Manila. Thank you Spot.ph! ^_^

Getaway @ Sonya's Garden

     A Tagaytay experience isn't complete without going to Sonya's Garden. A trip here would definitely be a unique and relaxing experience, perfect for nature lovers and for those who "want to get away from it all". Our first experience here was in the 90's with my siblings, where we also met Tita Sonya Garcia for the first time. We stayed by the Bed and Breakfast area, which seems to have a more intimate setting.

This was the flyer given (sorry for the blur and crumple texture).

The garden and flowers are just beautiful! 

Dalandan juice

The dressings and other condiments

Salad

Some mix both the Sonya's Secret Salad Dressing and Balsamic Dressing.

This is how I eat my salad. I love Sonya's Secret Salad Dressing! ^_^

Bread and dips

My favorites: Basil Pesto, Mushroom Pate, Kesong puti*

Pasta with 2 sauces cream with chicken and tomato and other condiments

I love the creamy sauce! Again... some mix both sauces.

Chocolate cake

One of the best chocolate cakes! I just wish the portion was bigger. :P

Turon and Glazed Kamote*

Tarragon tea

     The good thing about her menu is you can mix and match everything. Once you set foot here, you can kiss stress goodbye and say hello to serenity. Sonya's garden is also an ideal date place and weddings (we were told there have been many marriage proposals here) and for dog lovers (yup you can bring your dog). I hope you get a chance to meet Sonya's charming and gentle angels. ;)

Aldo

Bambina

Tetot

Sonya's Garden
Buck Estate Alfonso, Cavite
0917-5231080 / 0917-5329097
info@sonyasgarden.com
Visit their website
Add them on Facebook


Kesong puti -white cheese
Turon -banana spring rolls with Langka (jackfruit)
Kamote -sweet potato

An afternoon @ Tarsier Botanika, Bohol

     It was a last minute plan to go to Tarsier Botanika. We thought all along this was the home of the famous Tarsier, but it happens to be a mini zoo and botanical garden. This is highly recommended for the animal and nature lovers of all ages. Thank you to our enthusiastic and funny tour guide, Queenie and Mr./Ms. Sarimanok (sorry don't know the gender) for the awesome tour. 

We found an egg along the way... How cute! ^_^

This is Mr./Ms. Sarimanok, our other tour guide. :D

     There are more animals and sites... just wanted to show some highlights of the tour... as a teaser. ;)

     The tour ends and the last stop is Tarsier Paprika Restaurant. This restaurant has one of the best views, by the water and garden. We decided to have happy hour here.

Love the modern setting of the place!

Can this view be more beautiful and romantic? :D

Their bread with hummus and vinaigrette.

Watermelon shake

This torch reminded me of the show, Survivor. ^_^

     We ordered Gambas, Caprese salad and Calamares... which we all enjoyed. By the time our food came, it already dark and it showed in my pictures. I wish we got to try their desserts but it was already close to dinner. If you decide to visit, I recommend to put mosquito repellant and bring change of clothes and water since it's hot. It may seem like a hole in the wall type of place but believe me... you'll be amused. 

Tarsier Botanika

Km. 16 Hoyohoy, Tawala

Panglao Island, Bohol

(038) 416-0952 / 416-1289 / 0917-5266001

Like them on Facebook