Jackets, sweaters, jeans and boots, some of the must-haves for the cold weather. Here in the Philippines, experiencing cold weather is quite rare. Instead of those jackets, you wear your shades, shorts or anything to keep you cool. Being at the tropical zone, we normally see the sun brightening and heating our day. We normally expect Decembers to be the only month giving us that cold breeze we are longing for. Unfortunately last December, nothing much changed. It was still hot, making us perspire all day, unless you stay cool inside an air-conditioned room.
This January, the weather gave us all a different feeling. It brought smiles to most of us because of the cold breeze, just like you are located at countries within the temperate zone. In Manila, you’ll feel like wearing your jacket or boots to complete the cold weather outfit. Due to that chilly Manila weather, our family thought of driving up to Tagaytay one random Sunday. If it was cold in Manila, what more in Tagaytay, right?
After attending Sunday worship, the whole family, including relatives, went straight to Tagaytay. We arrived lunch time so we looked for a place to have a meal. Ended up in Josephine Restaurant, a family favorite in Tagaytay.
Calamares Fritos (Php 240)
Rate: 3/5
For appetizer, we had Calamares Fritos topped with fresh sliced onions. I removed the onions since I am not willing to eat them raw. I only eat cooked or caramelized onions, preferably on burgers or soups. Crunchy baby squid is served with their very own sweet & sour sauce. Try dipping it on vinegar as well, this can be an option.
Crispy Pata (Php 420)
Rate: 4/5
My mom’s top of mind dish when entering a Filipino restaurant. She tries every Cripsy Pata she sees. I seem to be KJ when I’m with my family because of not entertaining the idea of loving Crispy Pata. I see it as an oily and fatty pork dish that will make me regret after consuming it. This time, I tried a portion for the sake of trying everything on the table. Well, I’d say it wasn’t bad at all. That crispy and tasty to eat.
According to the two guys beside me, the Crispy Pata is satisfying. They munched on everything, including the bones!
Pata Tim (Php 440)
Rate: 4/5
A similar kind of dish to Crispy Pata. The difference is the sauce and the texture. This one is softer and more tender since it is braised. Talking about health, well this could be healthier. Fried foods are always the deadlier ones compared to steamed or stewed.
Tanguingue Sicilliana (Php 320)
Rate: 4/5
Grilled Tanguingue rubbed with fennel seed. It looked classy as it is served with tomatoes, black olives, basil, vinegar, garlic and olive oil. This is my personal choice. I drove away from my pork-loving family to choosing what I think is “healthier”. haha! The tomatoes completed the whole dish. It tasted so fresh that I kept on munching like they are chips.
Meet the cast of our Tagaytay trip…
Reine, my lovely sister.
My Aunt Trina
Mom, Dad and Oliver
Check out the trick Oliver did. Attention-grabbing that time! Toothpick plus two forks balancing on top of the edge of a glass. How cool is that?
After our long late lunch, we drove to Sonya’s Garden to kill time.
In-house dog who entertained us. I’m not sarcastic ok? He may look sad on this photo but he was really our entertainer.
Just take a look how clingy he was when he saw Uncle Doc. Love at first sight with my Uncle! Sweeeeet!
The ladies plus Uncle Doc entered the room filled with Sonya’s collections.
That dog seemed real from a far. Cool doorstopper!
Antique and classy finds inside.
Uncle Doc wanted to buy that Christmas Tree decor hanging on the wall.
Old wooden dresser that’s for sale. Well, almost every furniture in that room is for sale.
Chandeliers are also for sale.
The two boys stayed and chilled outside while the ladies – including me – were amazed checking out Sonya’s collections.
Overall, our trip was relaxing even though it was only a day trip. I guess being with family makes everything feel lighter and much better. If you ask me now, nothing extraordinary happened that day. What I remember is that the 10-hour trip was full of laughter, stories and funny moments that gave us pleasure.
Pray, Eat and Love.
Cheers,
The Food Scout

Location: Josephine Restaurant – 58 Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West, Tagaytay City, Philippines
Contact: (+632) 871-5627 / (+6346) 413-1801
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.josephinerestaurant.com/

Budget: PHP400++
Rate:

Food 9/10
Ambiance 9/10
Service 8/10
Cost 8/10
Overall 8.5/10

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