Weekend in Tuscany

Don't let the title fool you. No, I haven't been to Tuscany. Heck, I haven't even set foot on European soil, but I got a little taste of the Italian region in what has been dubbed as 'Tagaytay's Little Tuscany'. Tucked in the border of Tagaytay and Alfonso, Cavite is this lovely garden restaurant of Neil & Marcia Adams known as Marcia Adams' Tuscany.

Last weekend we decided to have our Sunday lunch here. So after checking out of Little Falls Inn, we hit the road to look for the place...stopping periodically to ask locals for direction. The only direction I got online is that it's near Residence Inn Zoo at the border of Tagaytay and Alfonso. And so we passed by the said landmarks but I still couldn't see 'the wooden door' that I saw online. After going back and forth, we finally found someone who was able to point us in the right direction. All this time I was thinking it was just along the highway but it turns out Brgy. Sicat is inconspicuous that we already passed by it twice. So upon seeing the Tagaytay arch, we immediately turned right following the signs to the more popular Ville Sommet.

When I saw the wooden door with the Versace-like (LOL) door knocker, I knew that was it. As I said, there are no signs to the restaurant so this door is your only landmark. We parked the car and a guy led us inside. 

 Pathway to the restaurant

Silly me for not taking note that the restaurant is by reservations only! A family and another couple were there and when Neil (the owner and husband of Marcia) approached us and asked if we have reservations, I wanted to smack myself! I was so embarrassed but Neil was gracious enough to let us wait for a table to be available. He said he needs to check if they have enough ingredients (I think they only prepare enough for the expected guests per day so be sure to make reservations!) and it might take a while for us to be attended to because they were undermanned that day. We didn't mind waiting though. We just perused the menu first and enjoyed the relaxing vibe of the place.

   Loving the interiors especially the high ceiling and wooden beams.

 The open kitchen where the magic happens ;)

After another couple left, we were immediately given their table and we ordered away. There is a cover charge (consumable) of Php700.00 per head plus 10% service charge. The price of the main course is already a 3-course meal that includes an appetizer and dessert. 

Since there were only two appetizers on the menu, we decided to order them both.

 Amalfi Prawns

crispy and succulent prawns marinated in salt, pepper, olive oil, parsley, coated with bread crumbs and pan-fried

I only got to eat one of this because BF thought it's his order! I liked the flavor and the combination of texture; crispy breading on the outside and tender on the inside, add the flakiness of the wafer and it's enough to whet one's appetite.

 Soup of the Day

We forgot to ask what soup this is and I did not even bother taste it since I figured it's most likely vegetable soup.

For his main course, he chose the Grilled Aromatic Pork with rice (add Php45.00 if you want to substitute couscous)

 Massaged with aromatic spices & herbs. Moist, tender and very tasty.

It was tasty indeed, although it's not so much of a far cry from your usual inihaw na liempo.

I ordered the Fish Souvlaki.

2 sticks Tanigue kebab marinated in olive oil, lemon and herbs

I loved my order. :) The fish is very fresh and well-seasoned; not bland like I expected it to be. The cherry tomatoes are also fresh and juicy.

For dessert, he had Banana Split while I had the Panna Cotta with Lemon Sauce.

 Marcia's take on the classic banana split. The warm grilled banana combined with vanilla ice cream is a feast for the senses. Add drizzles of Nutella sauce and you're in dessert heaven. ;)

 My Panna Cotta. Light, simple, and the perfect way to end the meal.

 I wonder why these drinks were not part of the 3-course meal that day.

More pictures of the place:

 I'm loving the arches everywhere. :)

I'm not really fond of flowers but little touches like this brings life to the place. This sits right by our window.

The view outside the window. It would have also been nice to eat here only if it wasn't raining that day.

Behind me is this rack with bottles of wine and handicrafts. The boxes at the bottom right side are the wafers used in the Amalfi Prawns. I forgot to take note of the name though. :(

 Another angle from the hall. The nook on the right was where we sat. 

This arch leads to the sunset lounge. If ever we get a chance to come back here, I'll make sure to reserve that part of the restaurant.

  I wasn't able to take a good shot of the sunset lounge since it's against the light. I only got a silhouette. :( But sitting on the couch, this is the view of the main hall from the lounge.

  I just had to have my picture taken here! I love the warm colors of the wall and the bucket of roses.

 Another side of the lounge filled with knickknacks.

 Even the loo is charming. haha

  The baroque mirror. So European! :p

Before we left we were able to personally meet Marcia and had a little chat with the couple. I did not pass up the chance to thank them for being gracious hosts and for accommodating us even without reservations (must be our lucky day :p). Neil even walked us back to the car! 

Overall, I enjoyed our delicious lunch. Although the menu is not novel, there is something about home-cooked meals served in a private setting that makes it a different experience. It's like being invited by old friends to their home for Sunday lunch. :)

BF and I both agreed that the price was worth it. I wouldn't mind coming back to this place again and again, maybe even bring friends and family in the future.

P.S. I forgot to mention that we were served complimentary bread which we dipped in balsamic vinegar while waiting for our food. 

~~~~~

Marcia Adams' Tuscany
JP Rizal St., Brgy. Sicat (boundary of Tagaytay & Alfonso, Cavite, follow the sign to Ville Sommet)


Attire: Casual
Payment Options: Cash Only
For reservations: Text Marcia Adams, 0917-801-1456

Liked this post? Click on the +1 button at the top. :)