We were home for the holidays and on our to-do list was to catch up with friends. Abigail suggested Tagaytay, but she didn't want breakfast nor did she want lunch, she wanted brunch and after checking our options, we settled on Breakfast at Antonio's.

Here's what some of us ordered:

This was off the menu and suggested by our server, Jed. Basically, it's a three-egg cheese and mushroom omelette with grilled bacon on the side. I loved the bacon, but the omelette seemed to taste saltier with every bite I took. This dish is best shared as it was huge. If I remember correctly, this was Php 480.

Smoked Pork Back Ribs

Served with Mexican Rice and Baked Beans

Php 490

Technically, this is what I wanted, but wasn't up to eating the beans that came with it. It's a good thing Junjun decided to order it and gave me a share. The ribs were good - tender and falling off the bone - much better than my cheese and mushroom omelette.

Roast Half-Chicken with Mushroom Chardonnay Sauce

(This poultry is brined for a full day and placed in rotisserie for slow roast)

Served with Roasted Potato or Potato Fries

Php 350

Jenny ordered this, but I asked for a slice and I'm so glad I did. The sauce was creamy and flavourful and if I ever eat here again, this is what I'll be having.

Fresh Corned Beef

Slices of Beef Brisket with Sauerkraut, Horseradish and Mustard

Served with 2 Eggs done anyway you want with Garlic Rice / Sautéed Scallop Potatoes / Hash Brown

Php 400

Earl and Abigail both ordered corned beef (which I also tried) and we all agreed that it was not spectacular. The beef was a bit tough and on the bland side.

Tagaytay on a Saturday in the middle of the Christmas season means that you'll spend most of your time stuck in traffic and expect that the line at Antonio's will be equally long.

Five Years

We marked five years of marriage by staying at the Taal Vista Hotel. This was also where we checked-in the night before our wedding and celebrated our first year anniversary, so when they had a promo on Deal Grocer, we decided to take advantage.

The rate we paid for the Premier Room was Php 4,863 nett (originally Php 8,400 nett). It came with buffet breakfast for two, free internet access and welcome drinks at the Lobby Lounge (which turned out to be iced tea). But what we really liked about our room was the view:

There were a couple of large cracks on one of the walls, the shower area had a bit of mold, and the small container of lotion had already been half used by the previous guest, but the view of Taal Volcano from our balcony more than made up for everything.

Dinner was at the Mile Hi Diner. The food was not bad though it was the first time I've ordered buffalo wings that didn't automatically come with a dip. Usually, they'll charge only for the extra dip (and in some establishments, it's free).

Honey Barbeque Buffalo Wings - Php 145

Ranch Dressing - Php 20

Mozzarella Stuffed Burger - Php 240

We also ordered a Taco Salad (Php 160) which I felt was a bit dry. I mentioned this to the server and she offered to give us more sour cream (which was what the dressing consisted of) but Earl declined because he liked the salad as is.

Since we were still a bit hungry, we ordered French Fries (Php 70) which we both enjoyed as it was similar to the ones served at KFC.

The weather in Tagaytay that night was a bit chilly though not as cold as the one right before our wedding where we actually needed to turn on the car heater! But all in all, we had a very relaxing overnight stay and can't wait to do it again.