Under an Almost-Tuscan Sun
If you make your way through Tagaytay, further up the road, and farther away from the brightly-lit strip of establishments, you’ll eventually hit the welcome arch of Alfonso. Take the small dirt road to the right, immediately after passing the arch, and keep driving till you see a wooden door debossed on a mustard wall. This is the home of Marcia and Neil Adams, laid out like a casa plucked straight out of a Mediterranean village. If you look out at the mounds of pineapple patches, it’s almost like looking out a baby version of the little hills in Chianti.
Marcia’s set menu is priced at Php700, and it includes your choice appetizer, main course, and dessert. When Anton and I visited a few months back, he had a serving of Lamb Shish Kebab, while I had a plate of the Ai Funghi pasta.
I’m a sucker for sautéed fresh mushrooms, and this dish hit the right spot. A few basil leaves were thrown in as a garnish but I mashed those right into the pasta, since the bright taste of the basil just melted so well with the coat of olive oil on the mushrooms.
I ate half of Anton’s bed of couscous because it soaked up a good portion of the lamb drippings. Mmmmm, meaty rice.
While there it’s an absolute must to order a bottle of one of the Bundaberg drinks(Php95/bottle). The ginger beer is a heightened version of ginger ale, as the sharp garlic taste stands out more. The Peachee on the other hand is like a mix of peach schnapps and champagne without the alcohol. If I could buy this drink in a 2mL bottle, I would.
My choice dish for dessert is the Grilled Orange with Vanilla Ice Cream. They take half an orange and sear it on a grill until a faint crosshatch is made, then drizzle it with honey. I think they grill the orange on the same grill used on the meat because I could taste a little of the lamb on the orange half—this is a good thing. You bite into an unexpected surprise.
After the meal, do not by any means go home yet. It’s too pretty a place to leave just yet. Go around Marcia’s garden to see her symphony of herbs, flowers, and vegetables, or wait out in the pocket lounge of the restaurant until sunset.
You can find their menu (as of June 19, 2011) HERE
Marcia Adams’ Restaurant is located at J.P. Rizal St., Barangay Sikat, Alfonso.Payment is cash basis only. Reservations may be made by texting(+63917) 807 1456.Like Marcia Adams’ Restaurant on Facebook.
- July 8 2011 | - Read More →
