Vieux Chalet: A Date Place in Breezy Antipolo

Location: Taktak Road, Antipolo, Rizal

Cuisine: Swiss

Price Range: P300-P500

Food Rate: 9 out of 10

Ambiance: 8 out of 10 (casual dining, very homey and laid back)

We looked for Vieux Chalet one rainy afternoon in August. Our reservation was for a brunch date, as people say it’s best to go there in the morning, but it was raining like crazy, and it wasn’t an option to postpone it at that time, as we were celebrating our 20^th monthsary (cheesy, I know), and we thought it was the last monthsary we will celebrate together before RGR leaves from abroad.

The rains, the leaves, the cool air of Antipolo made every single thing about Vieux Chalet more romantic. It is an old house turned into a quaint restaurant, fit for the real meaning of the name which is “old cottage”. The staff were courteous and smiling, even showing art store below the restaurant and the cottage beside where one can stay overnight and enjoy the pool and breakfast the day after. The food was incredibly good, too. Here are the photos of the food we ate: shrimp salad, pumpkin soup, four cheese pizza, pasta and dessert sampler which included a swiss chocolate cake. Everything was heavenly.

It’s a hole-in-the-wall, indeed, and yes, well worth the trip going back.

Pamana, Tagaytay

Very visible along the Tagaytay Highway, Pamana has always left me curious. It’s Filipino cuisine, alright, but with bright lights on as early as 6pm on a summer night, you kind of feel that it’s really calling your name.

 

So one night, we just gave in. No reservations on a Friday night, we walked in, and surprised to find that this brightly-lit place actually felt homey. Maybe it’s the tables and chairs you’d typically see inside your lola’s house, or this gigantic wall of photo frames and mirrors.

 

We were still full, as we ate just a few hours before. But we couldn’t resist the Filipino dishes we love: Bagoong Rice, 3 types of Adobo, Pinangat, Pork Binagoongan and Turon for dessert, one of their best sellers.

Eating here reminds me of fiestas in my lolo’s province — everything  is rich with Filipino flavors. Though our choices of food are a bit salty (that’s how I like it!), we were able to taste and savor each dish. 🙂

They have great service too! Always on the lookout on what you need, or if you would like to add more orders. Very polite, pleasant and accommodating.

This is the kind of place you’d bring your whole family to — especially balikbayans. Great food and hospitality — both Filipino trademarks we would like to Pamana (pass on) to the next generations.

 

 

Pamana is located along the Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City. For reservations, contact 0920 856 1970.