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Highland’s Crab Opens in Alfonso – Best Place for Fresh Crabs and Family Feasts

If you’re a seafood lover like me, you’ll be thrilled to know that Highland’s Crab has just opened their restaurant last July along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Alfonso, Cavite. Located along the highway yet surrounded by nature, this spot instantly gives off that refreshing Tagaytay-Baguio vibe with cool breeze, cozy atmosphere, and a view that makes you want to stay a little longer. Walking in, I immediately noticed the warm and family-friendly atmosphere. The interiors are thoughtfully designed, with ceiling pieces shaped like a boat (a fun detail you’ll love taking photos of) and a large wall painting of the Alfonso map created by a talented local artist, something that really gives the restaurant a personal, community touch. Let’s Talk About the Food Of course, the star of the show is the food and Highlands Crab does not disappoint. Their SFB-B6 set at ₱6,000 is a feast made for serious seafood fans. It features a mix of crabs (at least 1.2kg total, male and female), shrimps, mussels, and squid rings, all coated in their flavorful Cajun sauce. This massive spread also includes Pork Jamonado, soup of the day, and a rice platter for six. Perfect to share with family, loved ones, friends, and barkada! Speaking of barkada, their Barkada Feast Sides are a delicious mix of okra, eggplant, tomatoes, tangy green mango, bagoong, and salted egg, perfect for pairing with seafood. If you’re coming in with a bigger group, the Choose Your Sauce Set for 6 is a crowd-pleaser: 1.2kg of crabs, 8pcs chicken wings (choice of Honey Garlic, Buffalo, or Smoked BBQ), soup of the day, and a rice platter big enough for everyone. I also couldn’t resist trying some of their other specialties. The Bulalo Cansi, a combination of tender beef shank, bone marrow, and tangy batwan fruit soup was hearty and flavorful, perfect for the cool Alfonso weather. And if you’re a fan of sizzling dishes, the Sizzling Pork Sisig is a must. It’s savory, perfectly seasoned, and served sizzling hot, just the way it should be. Want more? View their menu here. For Seafood Lovers Like Me… Aside from the good food, Highland’s Crab is all about creating moments around the table. The kind where you’re rolling up your sleeves, cracking open crabs, and sharing stories over plates piled high with seafood. It’s where celebrations feel warmer, catch-ups last longer, and even an ordinary day turns into a feast you’ll remember. So, the next time you’re cruising along Alfonso’s scenic roads, let the aroma of butter garlic and Cajun spice guide you in. One meal here might just leave you with full hands, a fuller heart, and plans to return before the week is over. Where to Find Them? Address: Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Alfonso, 4123 Cavite PIN: https://goo.gl/maps/DXuDScHcC7j1aE8G7 Contact Number: 09764072377

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Blog, Community News, Events, Featured Community, Food

Tadhana sa Bukid: A Soulful 7-Course Pop-Up by Chef Frances Tariga

Michelin Guide Chef Frances Tariga brought her New York-based tasting menu Tadhana home — this time, not in city, but right in the quiet farmlands of Alfonso, Cavite. Held at Ellie’s Farm, Tadhana sa Bukid: A Contemporary Filipino Tasting Menu was a one-night-only pop-up, offering a seven-course meal inspired by Filipino flavors and ingredients. The tagline “An Ode to Chance” came to life in a warm, intimate setup. As someone from Cavite, it felt surreal to experience something created in New York, now served in my hometown. The evening felt personal, not just for Chef Frances, but for everyone seated around the table. A Familiar Story, Told Differently The menu celebrated Filipino food in creative ways. Each course had elements we knew: tinapa, calamansi, ginisang pako, but presented in a style you’d usually see in high-end restaurants in and out of the country. We started with Sinuglaw, featuring Esguerra Kurobuta pork with kasoy pinakurat, strong and sharp, like a welcome wake-up. Then came Penoy, a duck egg custard paired with ikura, kabute velouté, and atchara. It was savory, smooth, and comforting. I came here with a fellow content creator, Nini, and she loved it so much. According to her, the dish brought back memories of childhood and stories of her mom. The Ellie Farm Salad added a local touch, using ingredients fresh from the farm and topped with tinapa flakes and egg yolk jam. There’s something about it that makes me feel nostalgic but I can’t figure it out, I guess it’s so good it made me an emotional freak. A standout for me was the Piniritong Pugita, a crispy local octopus with calamansi sofrito and pili gremolata. Perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor, it was one of the most memorable bites I’ve ever had IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. Other dishes included Maya-Maya with ginisang pako and smoked kamatis, Kanin at Tutong with garlic and chives, and Inihaw na Kasim, a grilled pork with a sweet ketchup glaze and bold vinegar dip. The second-to-last course, Kaldereta at Ulang, mixed short rib and crayfish into a rich, flavorful puree. At this point I was so full but I can’t help but finish my plate. Hay! The meal ended with Ensaymada, reimagined with chèvre, vanilla fluff, and bukayo, a familiar Filipino pastry, but with a fresh twist. THIS IS THE BEST! I wasn’t expecting much for an ensaymada because I would have preferred a favorite from a local bakery but this was amazing. Just hands-down. A Moment for the Community This pop-up wasn’t just about the food. It was about gathering people, sharing stories, and creating space for Filipino cuisine to be seen in a new light. The setup was quiet and cozy, no fancy tablecloths or stiff formality, just real people sharing an incredible meal. The event was invite-only, but it didn’t feel exclusive. It felt intentional. It was Chef Frances’ way of introducing her work to the local community first, a gesture that made the experience feel even more special. Everyone left with the same reaction: excited, surprised, and deeply satisfied. It reminded us that Filipino food can be both traditional and elevated, something you crave and something you admire. What’s Next? There’s no official word yet on the next Tadhana sa Bukid date, but based on the response, it’s clear people are eager for more. If it returns, it’s definitely worth watching out for. In the meantime, this dinner served as a reminder: Filipino flavors have always had depth, beauty, and potential. Sometimes, all it takes is a chef like Frances Tariga — and a setting like Alfonso — to bring that to the surface.

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Events, Featured Blog, Featured Community, Food

Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Anzani Experience at Ville Sommet This July 20

On Sunday, July 20, Ville Sommet in Alfonso, Cavite will host The Anzani Experience, a thoughtfully curated event that brings together food, wine, art, and local hospitality. Led by Chef Marco Anzani, the experience features a five course lunch paired with a vertical wine tasting. The dishes are designed not just for flavor but for storytelling. I visited the venue ahead of the event and was able to try a few exquisite items from their menu. The Spinach Flatbread, topped with roasted garlic, mozzarella di buffalo, sun dried tomato, and black olive, was rich and well balanced. The Red Wine Porcini, with parmesan crisp, capes mushrooms, and Sangiovese reduction, was a personal favorite. I could easily enjoy another serving. I also had the opportunity to try the Tiramisu Delight; timely, given the current resurgence of tiramisu-inspired desserts. This rendition offered a more refined approach, combining cinnamon mascarpone, almond espresso liqueur, and dates, presented with precision and elegance. Another highlight was the Homemade Labneh Dip, served with pomegranate jus and coffee sourdough crisp. The combination of the tangy, creamy labneh with the subtle acidity of the pomegranate and the texture of the crisp created a balanced and memorable bite. It’s the kind of dish that lingers in the mind long after the meal. The Anzani Experience More than just a culinary event, The Anzani Experience brings something new to Alfonso. It offers something refined but accessible, encouraging locals to discover flavors that feel both rooted and transportive. The ambiance at Ville Sommet feels relaxed and welcoming, but there is also an understated elegance to the setting that makes the experience feel special without being distant. Guests can also enjoy coffee made with the Anzani Blend. I had a cappuccino during my visit and found it smooth, strong, and perfectly crafted. For cocktails, we sampled Italian Winter, Portofino, and a Vermouth cocktail, each offering distinct profiles that matched the overall mood of the place. Beyond the meal, there will be cake demonstrations, art sessions, and installations that add depth to the afternoon. DJ Brian Cua will provide music as part of the Sula Mixology launch, where guests can try different craft cocktails with a Cocktail Pass. Another highlight is the Chefs and Co. segment led by Chef Frances Tariga. This part of the event includes a walk around tasting with nine chefs including Aaron Isip, Cara Davis, Kevin Villarica, and Mikee Lopez, among others. Each brings a different style to the table, giving guests a wider view of contemporary food culture. A Culinary Legacy Rooted in Sustainability Established in 2008, Anzani is a celebration of over two decades of Chef Marco Anzani’s refined interpretation of New Mediterranean cuisine in the Philippines. The 2025 menu draws inspiration from time honored Mediterranean recipes while embracing Philippine ingredients. These were sourced from local farms, aquaculture, and ethical meat producers. Each dish is guided by values of sustainability, provenance, and traceability. Founded by Chef Marco and Kate Dychangco-Anzani, Anzani continues to evolve with intention. They chose Alfonso, Cavite as the next step in their journey, recognizing its agricultural zoning and potential to contribute meaningfully to the future of food sustainability in the country. The Anzani Experience signifies not only a significant milestone, but also a continued commitment to engaging local communities and advancing a meaningful legacy in culinary sustainability and innovation. The event will run from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM. With limited seating available, early reservation is recommended. See you around! For bookings, please message Anzani at Ville Sommet Tagaytay here.

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Coffee, Community News, Featured Blog

ADORE CAFE: Barn-themed Coffee Shop in Alfonso, Cavite

Recently, I came across a uniquely-themed coffee shop in our hometown serving something new that would uplift the Pinoy culture and leave a warm memory of the cafe experience. In a small barangay in Alfonso, Cavite proudly stands Adore Cafe, a barn-themed coffee spot you would love! I have to admit that sometimes, I get tired of eating and reviewing the same food selections from different coffee shops (huhuhu) so I am genuinely happy to share that I tried Adore Cafe’s unique take on food and drinks in Upli, Alfonso, Cavite. Minimalist coffee shops may be a kind of thing in this generation being raised with fads and trends, but this cafe proves that there are still “personality” businesses or brands that come from a place of a unique identity or inspiration. Adore Cafe started as a dream that my partner and I shared three years ago, long before we moved to Alfonso. Our love for coffee and our desire to create a cozy, welcoming space for not just our family inspired us to bring this vision to life. Naming the cafe after my late mother made it even more special—to us, it was not just a business but a tribute to love, memories, and warmth. We envisioned a place where coffee served as an instrument to bring people together so that they could slow down and create moments to cherish. – Adore Cafe Team WHAT WE TRIED Adore Special – This is espresso, milk, and their special salted top foam. So good! I prefer to let it sit first as the ice melts but it’s nice. Coffee beans are Brazil, Arabica-Robusta. Adore Cafe is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a place where you can enjoy good food and drinks as if you are at home. Here, you can relax in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere and take in the beautiful Tagaytay weather with handcrafted coffee and meals made with love. We’re not about mass-produced flavors—we put real effort and care into every cup and dish, ensuring quality without the burden of a high price tag. – Adore Cafe Team Tuyo Pasta – Bold, smoky, and packed with umami—like garlic oil pasta with a salty Pinoy kick. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something new to try. Tinapa Pasta – Milder and creamier but still smoky, with a rich, buttery flavor that melts into every bite. Best pick for those who have adventurous preferences. Lovette!!!! Finally, in June last year, we got around to making our dream a reality; one second we were setting up furniture and equipment and before we knew it, we were serving the tables of our families, friends, and most importantly, our customers. Until now, we have never looked at our cafe as a medium of profit—more so, it was a place that we shared with guests, welcoming them with extraordinary coffee and a space that felt like home. – Adore Cafe Team All in all, my ADORE CAFE experience has been so memorable! We had small, fun, and informative conversations with the barista during our meals and the ambiance just felt homey. Alfonso, Cavite has a lot more to offer when it comes to food and delicacies and this would make a great place for you to try something new along with coffee. Coffee is more than just a drink for us—it’s a lifestyle! We have always been fascinated by how small sips of coffee can spark conversations and bring moments of peace to brighten our days. We were so passionate about the craft of coffee-making that my partner and I sourced countless times for the best beans to ensure that what we were offering to our customers was only made of high-quality ingredients. Our love for it even expanded by adding other things to our menu, such as comforting pasta dishes, hearty rice meals, and delightful pastries. We wanted to make sure that there was something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re here for a cup of coffee or tea, a sweet treat, or a filling meal! – Adore Cafe Team While I’m not having coffee as much as I used to in my previous blogs, my love for the culture and community remains the same. Supporting local businesses is my way to amplify small stories, make them heard online, and become a catalyst for change and inspiration. In this article, I hope you feel inspired to visit more impactful brands and share how proud you are to be part of their journey. Have fun at Adore Cafe! To our fur moms and fur dads, we are also pet-friendly! We love seeing our guests bring their furry friends along to share the experience as we also have some of our own. From the bottom of our hearts, we Adore you! WHERE TO FIND THEM? Pin: Adore Cafe Address: Sitio Hawilian Uno, Brgy. Upli, Alfonso, Cavite

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