Sunday, March 18, 2012

Random Roadtrip: T House, Tagaytay

We like random things.  This random road trip brought us to the South, particularly in Tagaytay.  With the recent improvements done to the South Luzon Expressway, Tagaytay-bound tourists can now enjoy a 45-minute drive from the Metro (without the help of the Skyway ha).  

Me not driving.


Tagaytay is boring.  There's not much to offer apart from the breathtaking views of the Taal volcano.  After you've taken in so much of the volcano that you start getting hungry, bulalo and tawilis are just a stone's throw away from practically anywhere in the city.  Slowly, the sebo-formation in your bulalo will become unpleasing to the tongue, you start thinking of other sights to see or even things to do.  Then you realize, there's really nothing else so you begin to drive home.

Having said that, this city is clearly not meant for the adrenaline junkies. What Tagaytay is, in fact, a haven for the hardworking, tired and stressed out workforce of the country.  Tagaytay has charmed throngs of tourists seeking relaxation and pampering, solace and peace of mind. So whenever I plan a trip to Tagaytay, you know why.

For this Tagaytay trip, we went to the T House to get massages but were surprised to see that its Valentine promo is still on-going.  It was our first time at the T House so we thought of availing the Recharge package (for only Php 2,990.00) to try out their spa services (a 60-minute massage) plus their 4-course dinner for two.  Promo ended last March 15th.


Stopover at Solenad 2 -- most of the stores are still closed for business


Sunset.


The sun was almost down, so we only took pictures at the front desk.  The place is nice and (very) quiet.


Lounging while waiting for our turn at the massage tables.


I did not take pictures of the spa area, but this was us after the massage.  I have to say, massages were ok, but it was not "whoa".  We are still in search of the best spa within the budget-friendly category.


Ok, if you guys avail of any Valentine promo, expect the table setting to be cheeseballs. #ugh


First course:  Cream of pumpkin soup with roasted almond and seared scallop
The pumpkin soup was sweet and creamy, the scallop was seared to perfection, almond was a lovely surprise for texture.


Second course: Carpaccio of cantaloupe salad with arugula, prosciutto and toasted walnut in balsamic vinaigrette
Loved the cantaloupe and prosciutto with all the greens except for the arugula (too bitter for my taste).  Balsamic vinegar was too overpowering.


Terra Vega cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay


Her Main Course: Herb crusted salmon with roasted lemon
I ate everything on the plate.  Salmon was cooked perfectly!


His Main Course: Beef tenderloin steak with mashed potato with béarnaise, mushroom and pepper sauce
He didn't say he loved it, but he wants worcestershire sauce on his meat, so.


We were satisfied with the dinner service. 


While waiting for dessert.


Dessert:  Green tea pannacotta pavlova in mango sauce 
Loved the pannacotta + meringue combo. Didn't understand the mango-chocolate sauce.

All in all, it was a sulit experience.  In my opinion, overnight accommodations in Tagaytay are fairly expensive so I recommend it to those of you who are in need of a 4-hour escape from the metro.  

So if you find yourself wondering what to do in Tagaytay, think no more.  Humanap ka ng spa (if you're not too finicky about services, T House should be ok), magkape (preferably sa Java Jazz - right next door to the T House) at magmuni muni.  Pwede rin pa-picture sa Taal volcano para may souvenir.

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