tagaytay – Page 2 – HeaRty's Haven

This is my maiden post here at HeaRty’s Haven. After asking Roch if I could write, she happily obliged. It’s just amazing the vast amount of knowledge this girl has, and the amount of fun one can have. Food expert, travel expert, and an all around fun expert.

The Philippines is a great tourist destination, and with Roch, I got to experience just how fun the Philippines can be especially when you’re with the one you love. I try to come to the Philippines twice a year, because I truly just love our nation and our people. But, rarely will I ever venture out. Usually a coffee place is the extent of my vacation, but this time around, it was different, and it was simply an amazing experience.

The readers here at HeaRty’s Haven, know just how wonderful this girl is, but trust me, she’s so much more. And with her as your travel companion, it’s literally being in heaven all the time. It’s corny, but it’s true. The Philippines is definitely a perfect place for couples to vacation in, and tourists are always in for a treat with the vast amounts of activities and places that you can go to.

In Cebu, where I hail from, there’s Plantation Bay, the gorgeous old style churches of Santo Nino, and even their modern malls and the great varieties of restaurants to choose from, it’s old world meets a modern lifestyle that, I believe, the Philippines would do well in advertising towards these themes.

Whenever I talk to colleagues, friends, or new acquaintances here in The U.S., their mindset is always often centered on the only news that ever comes out of the Philippines. Whether it is natural disasters, floods, earthquakes, or tales of political turmoil, we really need to set the record straight at just how fun, exciting, and memorable the experiences here can get. We’re a nation that is blessed with such beautiful and majestic islands, and even in the heart of Manila, the hustle and bustle of the day scene, is balanced out with the terrific night life of the metropolis.

And when we speak of places like Tagaytay, where Roch and I spent a few days at Sonya’s Garden, dined out at Antonio’s, and had the most wonderful Bulalo at Leslie’s, I just can’t believe the great experiences that one can have in our very own backyard.

Even the malls and the cinemas are truly something to admire, especially when in places like the United States, one rarely ever sees such a great amount of malls and shopping centers. Having that shopping experience in the Philippines is as good as any other places in Asia, I really have to emphasize this.

I could go on and on with this, but the main point of my maiden post is simple, discover the Philippines, enjoy it with someone you love, the breathtaking destinations are endless, and one need only to randomly point to a map to realize, that at each corner of our islands, there is always something new to discover.

Leslies Tagaytay

When in Tagaytay, we shouldn’t miss dropping by Leslie’s Restaurant located on the outskirts of Tagaytay. The best reason is not only the great view, but because of their famous and delicious bulalo! Not convinced? Trust me when I say, that not only is the the soup perfectly made, but you get such a big portion of the meat, and the bone marrow, it is to die for!! And did I mention, that with Leslie’s, they provide unlimited refills of the yummy soup!

I always have that in mind, that before heading back to Manila, going to Leslie’s Restaurant is a definite must for everyone, and not only tourists.

Whenever I visit Leslie’s, we always sit at the indoor area.

leslies tagaytay indoor

But when we went last time, we discovered that there is actually a cottage that you can dine at which is sooooo cool! You need to pay additional Php500 though to be seated there, but it was well worth it, believe me. Sitted at a cottage, we’ll be able to see full view of Taal Volcano while we have our sumptuous lunch. The view is just breathtaking, with the cool wind blowing, the sun shining down, while eating lunch with someone special, it’s truly a magnificent experience.

Here is our view while eating:

outdoor view leslies

Leslie’s Tagaytay branch also has souvenirs available at the restaurant as well as resident musicians that will serenade you. Don’t forget to give a tip to the band who plays any music that you request them to play. We requested a Tagalog song for the first song, and they also obliged us with a wonderful second song that they chose, which was an English song. I am always amazed at the caliber of talent, and these singers along with the guitars in the background was just another addition to one of the best lunches you’ll ever have, especially at Leslie’s Restaurant in Tagaytay.

Here is what we ordered:

Bulalo Special (Php 550)

leslies bulalo

One of the best bulalo ever! It’s such a big portion too, a lot of meat, and not to mention the delicious bone marrow and the soup too. I requested for more bone marrow and they gave us exactly that. I was just so ecstatic while having it! yum yum yum! A must-order (I really mean it!) when you visit Leslie’s! If it’s Leslie’s, it’s bulalo.

Garlic Rice (Php 55)

garlic rice leslies

Filipino dishes are best eaten with garlic rice. Enough said.

Sizzling Gambas (Php 299)

gambas leslie

Shrimps served in sizzling plate, cooked in tomato. This is very very tasty, especially with the great tasting shrimp. Again, as with any Filipino tomato dish, it always has that distinct sweet yet a little sour and spicy taste to it. Leslie’s sizzling gambas definitely did not disappoint.

Buko Juice (Php 79)

buko juice

It is such a treat drinking fresh fruit juice especially if it’s buko. Good for the body plus it’s one of the yummiest fruit juice in the Philippines. You do know though that tourists always make it a point to try out buko juice when visiting Manila. It’s the more popular fruits in our country.

After eating, guests usually come out and take pictures with Taal Volcano. Leslie’s has a really great spot for taking pictures. This is me having my picture taken with the wonderful scenery.

leslies taal volcano

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Leslie’s Restaurant
Aguinaldo Highway, Silang Crossing West, Tagaytay City
(046) 483-4271

Tag: tagaytay

The Great Tourist Destinations of The Philippines

Leslie’s Restaurant