For those whose families are already vaccinated, here are five places you can dine at—al fresco of course—to celebrate Father’s Day.
Filipinos have learned the joys of dining outdoors ever since most regions were placed under general community quarantine (GCQ). With expert advised COVID-19 safety measures in place, such as wearing of masks and face shields when not eating, social distancing, proper washing of hands, etc., dining out can be a relatively safe and fun activity once again. And what better time to do than during Father’s Day? Here are five places to treat dad to during on his special day.
Antonio’s Restaurant
One of the best restaurants in Asia, Antonio’s in Tagaytay is already known for its al fresco dining thanks to its cool and breezy Tagaytay location. This is the place to indulge in several meal courses, starting with appetizers (we’re partial to the pate of foie gras with poached pears), then moving on to any of the restaurant’s fresh organic salads, some serious meat for mains (such as the tomahawk steak or dry aged prime rib) and ending with a delightful dessert. Oh, and don’t forget the wine pairings—or any of Antonio’s refreshing fresh juices if you’re the designated driver.
Farmer’s Table
Still in Tagaytay, this brand new dining establishment can be found in Nurture Wellness Village. As the name implies, this is a farm-to-table joint. There are actually three establishments within the complex, including a bakery, an organic produce market, and the Alfresco Garden Bistro, which is the restaurant. Run by the Raintree Hospitality Group, one can expect the same inventive menu from previous restaurants such as M Cafe, but this time with an even bigger focus on seasonal and local produce. Yes, it’s healthy eating, thanks to an array of picture-perfect salads and plant-based dishes, but it’s also hearty and comforting, with classic burgers and roasts on the menu. Because it was borne out of the pandemic, Farmer’s Table is designed to handle a set amount of guests, with the tables spaced out and lots of free-flowing, fresh air.
Mamou Too
Steak again? Well, it’s Father’s Day after all. There are several locations for this popular local steak restaurant, but we particularly like the one in Rockwell, as the mall has opened up Lopez Drive for streetside dining. It can get bright during the day, but with a strong breeze, some shade and an ice cold drink, you can easily enjoy Mamou’s signature dry-aged ribeyes—medium rare of course—along with classic sides like creamed spinach and fries. Honestly, dad won’t mind sweating a bit for steak this good.
Spiral
Nothing quite tells dad you love him the Filipino way than with a buffet on his special day. Spiral at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza is the buffet to end all buffets. With over 21 dining ateliers, dad can have his cake, steak, uni sushi, dim sum, paneer curry, truffle pasta, French cheeses, and halo-halo and eat them all too. And yes, most significantly, the outdoor dining area with a stunning view of Manila Bay can’t be beat.
The Loggia
Margarita Forés’ The Loggia is the new place your stylish friends are all flocking to. The al fresco restaurant opened earlier this year in Palacio de Memoria, the lush estate with the airplane in the middle of its lawn, a lovingly restored house/events venue and plenty of old world charm. Because Forés is at the helm, you can expect the food to be excellent—there’s no scrimping in quality here, from the squash flower antipasti to the burrata, the pasta (of course!) and the dry-aged steaks (you can see a pattern for this Father’s Day GCQ special). Consider yourself the favorite child now.
