An Essential Stop: Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center

My affinity to Tagaytay and its nearby towns stem from property and family we have in Silang, Cavite. I also love the weather, especially when it's cold. There's also lots of places to go in the area where family, friends, your solid peers could take refuge, unwind and go home after a few hours because of its proximity to Metro Manila.

But when you're going back home, it's a sin to not pass by a shop or store that sell local produce, for what we call pasalubong, something that's always innate with Filipinos. We've found a new spot called Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center located along the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road in Barangay Pasong Langka Silang, Cavite.

Check this new dining destination at the Sta Rosa Tagaytay Road in Silang, Cavite. It's called Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center. The restaurant sits at the back and serves really good Filipino food. The interiors and views are amazing! #balaipalmera #balaipalmerapasalubong #balaipalmerarestaurant #thebestbukopieinsilang #ibasasilang

Posted by Kumagcow on Sunday, October 2, 2022

You may head on to Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center by following them on Google maps. They're very easy to find along the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road.

 

Here are some of my favorites on the menu, you can always ask them if you have something preferred for your event, they can always arrange something for you. 

Crabs with coconut milk

The owner and staff who welcomed us at the restaurant

Fresh Lumpia

Binagoongan

Crispy Pata

Steamed Pampano

Kaldereta

Kare Kare

Chicken Inasal

Dinakdakan

Kinilaw

Fried Fish

Thank you so much to the wonderful people of Balai Palmera, I will be back there soon! If you want to call or contact them for orders, it's 09458695392 for the restaurant and 09275017616 for the pasalubong center. They've got a mean on at the pasalubong center which you should definitely visit. Don't forget to take home the coveted BUKO PIE which makes this place legendary! The Chef says they do quality assurance in the buco meat they use and have researched well about the flaky pastry they use for it. There's also the Raisin Bread which I loved as it was freshly baked that same day.

It's Filipino... with a flair, and it made my trip there worthwhile.

The Executive Lounge Restaurant at The Malayan Plaza

Luxury Private Dining is much of an experience that everyone should get. I’ve been in quite a few but this one which happened a few nights ago was pretty special. It was amongst food blogging industry friends set at the Malayan Plaza Hotel’s 33rd Floor. The setting reminded me of an upscale atelier but without a designer this time. It was us, the Executives of the hotel, the Chef who was cooking a storm in the kitchen and a couple of servers who made sure we were comfortable while we dined.

The place is apt for private dining. The table was set for a little over 10 people, daisy art on the napkins, table runner ran from end to end with gold accents and trims, plus faux candle light here and there. It was pretty stiff and quiet on my side whilst it was a little crazy on the other, but we didn’t mind.

We all knew this 10 course dinner was going to be epic. 

The canapes arrived while we were stationed in the holding area, one had chopped eggs and mayo dressing, the other was more on the savory side with mushrooms. It was nice.

The appetizers comprised of the Quesillo Con Tomate, Chorizo Pamplona and Manchego, Adobar con Carne and Tuna Tartare - all served in one plate. Saying it’s a mouthful is an understatement. The Quesong Puti was the perfect pair for the fresh tomatoes, herbs and garlic. The chorizo felt quite good with the salty manchego and the ligjt drizzle of white truffle oil, it is so addicting to tell you honestly because me and truffle are like brothers, we are very good together LOL. The Adobar con Carne though wasn’t as soft as I wanted it to be, perhaps a little over done or might not have rested, but the flavor profile is there, it was a bit heavy that I’d consider it part of the main course. The Tuna Tartare was good though, very light and you could really feel a little kick (tad smoky) prolly because of the paprika, chili and wasabi they put on it.

This is the Almejas Mejillones con Escabeche. It's clams and mussels with croutons and a broth made of stock and wine, plus a few herbs. It is very light, but a perfect way to start the meal.

The Basil and Honey Mule was not too strong, just right to accompany the slew of strong flavors they introduced us with. They pair drinks with your dinner components so expect to be a little fun that usual if you get hit.

Some good things off the menu include this Talakitok con Misono which is Jackfish and Tuna sashimi with misono jus, their own fresh salsa and beet paste. I adore white fish with wine, this is more on the savory side. 

Their version of Callos was topped with mashed potatoes, my blogger friends and I was trying to find bits or maybe slices of chorizo but the chef did a spin on it and only included the flavor. It had tripe but almost none of the stench, so this is okay.

Love on a plate, this is their best dish that evening called Shitake Wagyu Bar. It's Wagyu beef grilled to medium doneness, infused with Shitake mushroom flavors, herbs and more. It was earthy and savory, felt deep because of the flavor profile they wanted to achieve means watching the cooking process like a hawk, the right temperature and all that drama. It was well worth the wait.

This is the Chef's Bourbon Plate. It's main ingredient was Dragon Fruit, chopped up with orange fruit, like, pear and bourbon cream. I guess they didn't flambe it anymore because the flavor profile they needed was already in the cream, it's a light dessert, not too sweet just as I like it.

For the sweet tooth, the Chef made this Arte De Remo. It's like an oaty revel bar made with cream cheese, oats and dessicated coconut. It was nutty and special which I guess came from crushed pistachios??? So if you love sugar, this would be the better choice. 

The Malayan Plaza has 4 function rooms available on the 32nd and 33rd floor of the building. It's a nice place to hold your banquets, cocktails, events and intimate dinners. If you would like to experience the same thing we had, go call +63 2 7060055 and ask for available slots on schedules. Things fill up immediately so if you're planning for that next birthday dinner, proposal, or just small family gatherings, give them a call okay?

Thank you Chef Aldrin, the GM Ernie Baclayon and thank you to everyone at the Malayan Plaza for re-introducing to us The Executive Lounge. I will be back for more to look for that Wagyu steak and the light desserts. 

Au revoir!

KUMAGCOW

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CASA IBARRA Opens In Pasay City

I couldn't count the times that I've been able to cover events, donned birthday parties, debuts, weddings at Ibarra's party venues and pretty much enjoyed their food too. Just recently, they invited us over to see CASA IBARRA, a new 2 floor events venue in Pasay City. It sits right across the Coral Way entrance of Mall of Asia Arena. I could see it from across the street and has got ample parking right beside it. The place can hold around 280 people for the two ballrooms down stairs, and around 350 on the more grand room on the top floor. 

Let me show you around!

This is the side of the structure, the first photo above is the facade of the building. I've heard on the elevator that this was supposed to be built about one and a half year ago. Though I think they needed the extra time to spruce up the place, it felt all new when we got inside.

You'll be greeted on the first floor by this humongous painting which they actually commissioned from a Filipino French painter named Olivia d'Aboville entitled Homage to Monet. This looks absolutely stunning in real life, you can see people even took photos with it. Sweet!

This is the first floor which can be divided into two rooms. They can hold two events at the same time with no problem. One of the rooms have an ordinary staircase while the other has this one which actually lights up in different colors. It's a touch that they took a lot of time to construct. It looks amazing, they have their own designers that would set up the place for you because they want it to be all hassle free. These rooms are called Alegria and Hermosa.

If you look up, you'll see a modern Filipino designed ceiling and wall treatments that use a lot of wood on the second floor. The second floor houses their office plus the huge ballroom they call Sala de Amor which you'll see in a bit.

This is their office on the second floor wherein they hold cake and food tasting sessions for those who want to actually get their services. With the kind of food that they served that night, you would want to do this for fun. Let me show you their unbelievable menu.

They had this huge steel pan filled with the freshest catch in the ocean and thick crunchy rice in the bottom. Paella ala Ibarra anyone?

This one is for the KETO diet lovers out there, the unicorn of the Philippines... scrumptious LECHON!

If that doesn't work, you've got Pan Roasted Beef Shanks and Roasted Pork Belly

They've also got tons of hors d'oeuvres so if you're picky, don't worry at all!

From plated meals, to formal dinners, to exquisite desserts... Casa Ibarra obviously can bring it!

They also have a section on the front of the building where you can hold small ceremonies, a small wedding, no problem! This place is overlooking the actual street and the other buildings in the area.

For the piece resistance, they lead us to the largest ballroom called Sala de Amor. This place can get 350 people in a party and make a grand entrance with that huge fairy tale-esque stairs in the center. Now I'm sure they can accommodate any party you're planning to do this 2017 and beyond!

The Ibarra group has got 5 properties now in their belt namely the Bella Ibarra in Quezon Avenue, Ibarra's Garden in P. Faura in Manila, Plaza Ibarra in Timog Avenue in Quezon City, Villa Ibarra in Tagaytay and this new one called CASA IBARRA in Coral Way MOA Complex in Pasay City. You may call them for Catering by Ibarra's too via 5229999 and 9226868. If you want to book an event or reserve it for special occasions, just call them at 9861107, 9949448, or their mobile number 09165868897. You may also visit their official website at www.ibarraspartyvenues.com.ph if you want to inquire about prices. Make your party hassle free by calling them today please! :)